The Kingdom emphasized that confronting global water challenges requires moving from the stage of discussions to implementing practical solutions on the ground, by enhancing integration between policies and science, supporting innovation, expanding financing opportunities in the water sector, and developing more efficient and effective international cooperation mechanisms.

The world is going through a stage where water challenges are increasingly linked to climate risks

The Kingdom called on countries, decision-makers, and experts from around the world to participate in the 11th World Water Forum, hosted by Riyadh in 2027, aiming to enhance strategic partnerships and support innovative solutions that contribute to building a more sustainable water future globally.

This came during the participation of the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Water in the work of the Fourth High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action under the slogan “Water for Sustainable Development (2018-2028),” leading a high-level delegation, hosted by the Republic of Tajikistan in the capital Dushanbe from May 25 to 28, 2026, jointly organized by the Tajikistan government and the United Nations.

The conference aims to support the implementation of the goals of the International Decade for Water and accelerate progress towards achieving the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals related to water and sanitation.

During the Kingdom’s speech delivered at the conference’s plenary session, the Deputy Minister affirmed the Kingdom’s appreciation to the government of the Republic of Tajikistan for organizing the conference and its role in keeping water issues among the priorities of the global development agenda, noting that the world is going through a stage where water challenges are increasingly linked to climate risks, economic development, and food security.

He reviewed the Kingdom’s efforts in developing the water sector under Saudi Vision 2030, which included restructuring the water sector and its governance along the supply chain, enhancing management and operational efficiency, expanding water treatment and reuse projects, improving infrastructure efficiency, strengthening private sector participation, in addition to the Kingdom’s global leadership in water desalination technologies and investment in innovation, research, and development.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in enhancing international cooperation in the water sector, most notably the announcement by the Crown Prince of the establishment of the Global Water Organization in 2023, which aims to enhance international cooperation, knowledge exchange, innovation, and capacity building in various water fields, in addition to signing the organization’s charter by eight founding countries in May 2025, and the Kingdom’s launch of the International Water Research Center during the COP16 conference in Riyadh, to serve as a global platform for scientific research, cooperation, innovation, and supporting evidence-based policies to address current and future water challenges.

Furthermore, the conference program included opening and plenary sessions, as well as thematic sessions discussing topics: Water for People, Water for Prosperity, Water for Planet, Water for Cooperation, Water in Multilateral Processes, and Investment in the Water Sector.

The conference is a high-level international platform bringing together governments, international organizations, financial institutions, the private sector, and experts to discuss the most prominent challenges and opportunities related to water, enhance international cooperation, and showcase innovative solutions and voluntary commitments within the Water Action Agenda. It also serves as a major preparatory station for the UN Water Conference 2026, in addition to being a platform for discussion on the future of the water agenda beyond 2030.

This conference comes amid increasing international interest in water issues as a pivotal element for achieving sustainable development and food security, as the conference outcomes aim to support joint international action and develop practical recommendations and initiatives that contribute to accelerating the achievement of water-related sustainable development goals.

Deputy Governor of Makkah reviews security, health, and transport efforts serving pilgrims

11th World Water Forum

The 11th World Water Forum is a major international event focused on addressing global water challenges, held in Bali, Indonesia, in May 2024. Historically, the World Water Forum has been organized every three years since 1997 by the World Water Council to promote sustainable water management and cooperation among nations. This edition emphasized themes such as water security, climate resilience, and the role of indigenous knowledge in water governance.

<div class="my-4 p-4 rounded-lg shadow

Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Its history dates back to the 18th century as a small walled settlement, but it gained prominence after becoming the stronghold of the Al Saud dynasty in the 19th century. Today, Riyadh has transformed into a modern metropolis, blending its historical heritage with rapid urban development as the political and financial center of the country.

Republic of Tajikistan

The Republic of Tajikistan is a mountainous Central Asian nation with a rich history rooted in the ancient Silk Road, once home to the influential Samanid Empire. It was part of the Soviet Union until gaining independence in 1991, after which it endured a devastating civil war. Today, Tajikistan is known for its stunning Pamir Mountains, Persian cultural heritage, and the preservation of sites like the ancient city of Sarazm.

Dushanbe

Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan, with a history dating back to the 17th century when it began as a small village known for its Monday bazaar, from which its name derives (meaning “Monday” in Tajik). It became the capital of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic in 1924 and underwent rapid Soviet-era development, transforming from a rural settlement into a modern city. Today, Dushanbe is the political, cultural, and economic heart of Tajikistan, featuring landmarks like the National Museum and the towering Ismoil Somoni monument.

Global Water Organization

The Global Water Organization (GWO) is an international nonprofit dedicated to addressing the world’s water crisis by providing sustainable access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education. Founded in 2009, the organization has since implemented projects in developing regions, focusing on community-led solutions like well drilling and water purification systems. Its mission stems from the recognition that water scarcity affects billions, driving efforts to improve health, economic stability, and gender equality in underserved areas.

International Water Research Center

The International Water Research Center, often associated with the Global Water Research Coalition, is a collaborative hub focused on advancing water science and technology to address global water challenges. Its history stems from the need for international cooperation among water research institutes, aiming to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions for water sustainability. The center plays a key role in fostering partnerships and driving cutting-edge research in water management and treatment.

COP16 conference in Riyadh

The COP16 conference in Riyadh, held in December 2024, was a pivotal United Nations summit focused on combating desertification, land degradation, and drought, marking the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Hosted by Saudi Arabia, the conference brought together global leaders and experts to discuss sustainable land management and resilience strategies, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing role in environmental diplomacy. This event highlighted urgent global challenges, as land degradation affects over 3 billion people worldwide, and aimed to accelerate international commitments to restore degraded lands by 2030.

UN Water Conference 2026

The UN Water Conference 2026 is a major global event focused on accelerating progress toward clean water and sanitation for all, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 6. Scheduled to take place in December 2026, it follows the landmark 2023 UN Water Conference, which was the first such gathering in nearly 50 years. The conference aims to build on past commitments by mobilizing governments, businesses, and communities to address the world’s escalating water crisis.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia, is a tropical island known for its stunning beaches, terraced rice paddies, and vibrant Hindu culture, which sets it apart from the rest of the predominantly Muslim country. Its history dates back to at least the 1st century CE, with influences from Indian traders and Javanese kingdoms, and it later became a Dutch colonial possession in the 19th century. Today, Bali is a global tourist destination, celebrated for its traditional arts, dance, and spiritual practices.