Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative Highlights Water Scarcity Solutions At COP16 In Riyadh

The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative recently wrapped up its participation at COP16 in Riyadh. The event focused on highlighting water scarcity as a pressing global issue. The initiative aimed to explore solutions and engage with key stakeholders in water resource management.

On 4 December, the initiative organised a panel titled ‘Harnessing Innovation for Water Management’ at the UAE Pavilion. This session included representatives from XPRIZE, UAE University, The Nature Conservancy, and the International Water Management Institute. Discussions centred on how technology is transforming water management and enabling innovative nature-based solutions.

Another panel discussion, ‘Storytelling for Water Awareness’, was also hosted by the initiative. Experts gathered to discuss communication strategies that can raise awareness and prompt action on water scarcity issues. These discussions emphasised the role of storytelling in bridging gaps in understanding.

Henk Ovink, Executive Director of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, highlighted a significant disparity: "There is a disconnect between 50 percent of the world who take water for granted and the other half who have to work really hard to get it. Art and communications and storytelling can help bridge that gap and also act as a provocation for decision makers."

The initiative also engaged young leaders through its Youth Consultations. These sessions invited youth advocates for sustainable water practices to share their insights on involving young people more effectively in addressing global water scarcity challenges.

Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, reflected on these discussions: "Water scarcity is a pervasive threat that impacts communities across the globe, and the situation is rapidly worsening as a result of climate change, population growth and several other factors. Effectively tackling water scarcity demands urgent attention and investment. Platforms such as COP16 are crucial for convening key stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and advancing innovative solutions to address this critical issue."

With inputs from WAM