Economy Minister Stresses Water Access As Human Right At G20 Session In Brazil

Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadel Alibrahim attended the "Ensuring Access to Water" session at the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro on July 22 and 23. During his speech, Alibrahim emphasised that limited freshwater resources and sanitation services pose severe health risks, including waterborne diseases, drought, and malnutrition.

The minister pointed out that the lack of water access significantly impacts agriculture, which in turn affects global food security. He stressed that ensuring access to water and sanitation is not merely a policy but a fundamental human right and one of the crucial Sustainable Development Goals.

Alibrahim highlighted the Kingdom's initiative to establish a global water organisation. Announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, this organisation aims to serve as a global platform for coordinating efforts, sharing knowledge, and best practices.

The new global water organisation will focus on providing funding, directing resources to critical projects, enhancing public-private partnerships, and aligning government policies. The goal is to develop innovative solutions to address global water access challenges effectively.

Alibrahim also called for prioritising water-related issues on the G20 agenda. He urged continuing the annual water dialogue initiated by Saudi Arabia during its presidency of the group in 2020. This dialogue aims to leverage the Global Water Organization as a platform to ensure universal access to water.

"Ensuring access to water is not just a policy but a human right," said Alibrahim. He reiterated that addressing water scarcity is essential for human development and mitigating health risks associated with inadequate sanitation services.

The minister concluded by stressing the importance of coordinated efforts among nations. He believes that through collaboration and innovative solutions, it is possible to overcome global water challenges and secure a better future for all.

With inputs from SPA