Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, through the implementation of integrated water resources management, improved service efficiency, enhanced water security, and the adoption of advanced technologies and innovation in water management.
The commitment was highlighted during the Kingdom's participation in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at UN Headquarters in New York. The event brought together a broad range of member states, international organizations, and development institutions to review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerate global efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Speaking during a session dedicated to reviewing progress on SDG 6, Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani, Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, outlined Saudi Arabia's efforts to strengthen and modernize its water sector. He noted that the Kingdom has made significant progress in water resources management, the expansion of water and sanitation services, and the enhancement of institutional governance across the sector.
Dr. Alshaibani emphasized that these efforts have helped improve efficiency throughout the water supply chain while supporting the long-term sustainability of the Kingdom's water resources.
He also underscored the significance of Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027, describing it as an important opportunity to strengthen international dialogue and transform global commitments into practical, actionable solutions that contribute to water security and sustainable development.
The High-Level Political Forum serves as the United Nations' principal platform for reviewing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. This year's discussions focused on several priority goals, led by SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, while also emphasizing international partnerships, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices to advance sustainable development worldwide.