Preparations for 2027 World Water Forum Kick Off in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia officially launched preparations for the 11th World Water Forum, set to take place in 2027, with a ceremony held in Riyadh today. The event was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, with key officials from the Kingdom and the World Water Council in attendance.

Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, was present alongside Loic Fauchon, President of the World Water Council. Fauchon discussed the ongoing efforts between the council and Saudi authorities in organizing the global event and stressed the urgent need to address the growing issue of water scarcity.

During the ceremony, Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for international cooperation from governments and private entities to tackle the water crisis. The Kingdom highlighted the importance of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring access to water and sanitation for all people worldwide.

A key part of the event was a panel discussion on global water priorities, featuring both local and international experts. Among the speakers were Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, Deputy Minister for Water in Saudi Arabia, and Wu Wenqing, Chief Planner at the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Water Resources.

Al-Shaibani underscored the severity of the global water crisis, stating, “Water security is an urgent, global crisis… half of the world faces water scarcity every year.” He pointed to the growing gap between water demand and supply, calling for a coordinated global effort to address the issue. Al-Shaibani further highlighted the economic implications of rising water demand, stressing that water scarcity puts financial pressure on governments, which can ultimately harm the economy.

“Water infrastructure is essential,” Al-Shaibani said, adding, “Some say water needs money, but money needs water, meaning the economy needs water as an enabler for industries.” He emphasized that water is not just a basic human right but also a key economic driver.

The World Water Forum, organized by the World Water Council in partnership with host nations, is an international platform for countries to showcase sustainable practices and efforts to manage water resources effectively. The forum brings together governments, organizations, and experts to discuss pressing water-related issues and explore solutions for a more water-secure future.

The 11th edition of the forum in 2027 will be an important milestone for the Kingdom and the global community as they work to address one of the world’s most critical challenges: ensuring water security for all.