Saudi Arabia and Senegal have urged the international community to intensify efforts in addressing the escalating global water crisis. Speaking at a high-level United Nations event, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi emphasized that water security should be prioritized as a critical component of international security, economic development, and community resilience.
Al-Rassi highlighted the necessity of enhancing governance, technology, and accessibility, alongside fostering international cooperation to effectively combat water scarcity. He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in managing water challenges through desalination technologies and the implementation of its National Water Strategy 2030 as examples of proactive measures.
Senegal echoed this call, stressing the increased importance of water in global policy discussions, especially as its challenges intersect with climate change, economic growth, and social stability. The need for international cooperation over shared water resources was underscored, with Senegal highlighting transboundary water management as a successful model of collaboration.
The UN’s special envoy on water, Retno Marsudi, warned that progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to water and sanitation is insufficient. She pointed out that millions worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities, underscoring the urgency for more robust global action.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia will host the 11th World Water Forum in March 2027, while Senegal and the UAE are preparing to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. These upcoming events aim to further international dialogue and cooperation on water-related issues.