The 6th Arab Water Forum, held in partnership with the World Utilities Congress, officially opened on Monday (September 16) in Abu Dhabi, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to address critical challenges in water security and sustainability.

The event serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation in the utilities sector.

As water scarcity becomes an increasingly urgent global issue, this landmark event serves as a critical platform for collaboration and innovation, aligning the region's water agenda with global sustainability goals.

Over the course of the three days, strategic and technical sessions will engage participants in comprehensive discussions on sustainable water management, climate resilience, and the future of water resources.

In his keynote address, H.E. Prof. Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, President of the Arab Water Council, underscored the importance of regional cooperation, stating: “Sustainable water management is not just a necessity but a collective responsibility.

"Our efforts today will determine the future of water security for generations to come.” H.E. Prof. Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, emphasized the significance of global partnerships as related to Water, noting, “water is at the heart of everything; it stimulates us and, more often than not, brings us together.

"But “water is under attack”, and our responsibility is to defend it, to protect it, to conserve it and to make better use of it.”

A focal point of the forum is the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue, which features policymakers from around the world discussing strategies to enhance water security and resilience in the face of growing global demand.

H.E. Madam Zhu Chengqing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China, highlighted the essential role of international collaboration in securing water resources, stating, “The world must come together in tackling these shared challenges, as sustainable solutions require a global commitment.”

Echoing this sentiment, H.E. Prof. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Egypt, emphasised the need for an integrated approach, stating, “Effective water management is key to the prosperity of all nations and demands collaboration at every level, from local to global.”

Furthermore, H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, explained the necessity of regional collaboration, saying, “Unity among our regions is critical for tackling the escalating water crisis and ensuring sustainable progress for all Arab countries.”

H.E. Aun Dheyab Abdulla, Minister of Water Resources of Iraq, also highlighted, “Cooperative strategies and innovative approaches are essential to manage shared water resources effectively in the face of climate change and increasing demand.”

The 6th Arab Water Forum, in collaboration with the World Utilities Congress, will continue over the next two days to host high-level discussions, technical sessions, and networking opportunities.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge solutions and forge partnerships aimed at advancing water sustainability and fostering a resilient future for all.