The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) joined the World Water Council in a joint committee meeting to coordinate preparations for the 11th World Water Forum. The meeting reviewed preparations to host the Forum in Riyadh from 21 to 25 March 2027 under the theme “Action for a Better Tomorrow," strengthening coordination and supporting the Forum's objectives and outcomes.
The Ministry's delegation was headed by Deputy Minister for Water Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani, who presented the latest preparations, organizational efforts, key themes, and initiatives. The meeting also discussed ways to enhance cooperation and integrate efforts to achieve the Forum's objectives.
The delegation also participated in the 94th meeting of the World Water Council's Board of Governors, held in Marseille, France, on 10–11 October 2026. Council members were briefed on preparations for the Forum, its key themes and initiatives, and exchanged views on its priorities to strengthen its content and international impact.
Dr. Alshaibani reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's efforts to strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the water sector, and to support partnerships to address water challenges and advance sustainability. He also highlighted the designation of 2027 as the “Year of Water," underscoring the importance of this vital resource in achieving sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia's participation in both meetings reflects its efforts to strengthen coordination with the World Water Council, broaden international participation, and translate global water commitments into practical, actionable solutions.
On the sidelines of the meetings, the Deputy Minister for Water attended the opening of the 26th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), its ministerial session, and several other sessions. Discussions focused on improving water-use efficiency in agriculture, expanding non-conventional water sources, and the role of innovation, financing, and international cooperation in advancing water sustainability.