Water Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia's Ministerial Dialogue On Sustainable Development And International Cooperation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently hosted a significant dialogue session titled "Water Diplomacy: a Bridge for Sustainable Development and Cooperation." This event took place alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, initiated the session by welcoming ministers and officials and expressing gratitude to UN partners.

Prince Faisal highlighted that water challenges are growing globally, making international cooperation crucial. He emphasized that water diplomacy is essential for building trust and turning shared challenges into opportunities for collective progress. The Kingdom's experience in addressing water scarcity was noted, showcasing leadership in desalination, efficiency optimization, and global cooperation.

The foreign minister announced the establishment of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh. This initiative aims to promote innovation, support technology transfer, and enhance international cooperation on water issues. Prince Faisal urged all UN Member States to join this organization to strengthen global efforts in water management.

Additionally, he revealed that Saudi Arabia will host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027. This event underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing global water issues through collaboration across sectors. The forum will serve as a platform for discussing solutions and fostering partnerships in water management.

Prince Faisal also addressed the significance of maritime corridors as vital lifelines for the global economy. These corridors facilitate energy, food, and trade transport but face increasing threats that undermine supply chains and environmental stability. He stressed that protecting these routes is a collective responsibility requiring joint international action.

The foreign minister underscored that safeguarding maritime routes ensures trade sustainability and protects coastal ecosystems. Protecting water resources and maritime corridors is not only an environmental concern but also a cornerstone of development, security, and global stability.

Commitment to Regional Role

In his concluding remarks, Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to its pivotal role in safeguarding coasts and maritime corridors. He emphasized advancing water diplomacy and promoting innovation to foster global cooperation and sustainable growth.

The session saw participation from notable figures such as Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the USA; Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs; and Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, Permanent Representative to the UN in New York City.

With inputs from SPA