Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Senegal, has urged the international community to enhance cooperation in tackling global water challenges, such as scarcity, rising demand, and limited access to safe water. This call was made during a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly, where Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi emphasized the vital role of water security in international security, economic development, and community resilience.
Al-Rassi stressed that addressing the global water crisis requires more than just increasing water availability. He highlighted the importance of better governance, technology, accessibility, and global collaboration. Drawing on Saudi Arabia’s experience with water scarcity, particularly through desalination and technological investment, he referenced the country’s National Water Strategy 2030 as a model for effective water management.
Senegal echoed the call for prioritizing water in international policies, highlighting the intersection of water challenges with climate change, economic development, and social stability. The discussions underscored the importance of cooperation over shared water resources, with Senegal citing transboundary water management as a successful model for addressing common challenges.
Retno Marsudi, the UN’s special envoy on water, noted that progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal on water and sanitation is lagging. Millions worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, necessitating stronger collective action to address these pressing issues.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is slated to host the 11th World Water Forum in March 2027. Additionally, Senegal and the UAE are set to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, further highlighting the countries’ commitment to addressing global water challenges through international cooperation and dialogue.