During its participation in Cairo Water Week, the United Arab Emirates called for enhanced international cooperation and accelerated investment in water solutions, emphasising their importance for stability, shared prosperity, and the sustainability of our planet. This dialogue is particularly pertinent as preparations intensify for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference 2026.
Inauguration of Cairo Water Week
The ninth edition of Cairo Water Week was inaugurated under the theme “Water as a Catalyst for Peace and Shared Prosperity for a Sustainable Planet.” The event was attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, alongside several ministers and high-ranking officials.
Focus on Water Management
In his address, Abdullah Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, urged governments, investors, and corporations to prioritise water in economic planning and investment decisions. He highlighted the necessity of supporting promising innovations through funding and partnerships to effectively scale their implementation.
Balalaa stated, “Water must be at the heart of economic and developmental strategies, not merely regarded as a challenge to overcome, but also as an opportunity to stimulate innovation, investment, and shared prosperity. We must transition from commitments to execution, from innovation to application, and from recognising water-related risks to investing in enhancing water resilience.”
UAE’s Commitment to Water Security
Throughout his presentation, Balalaa outlined the UAE’s approach to achieving water security, which is rooted in a longstanding legacy of efficiency in finding solutions and fostering collaboration across generations. He underscored the need for funding-capable projects and strengthening partnerships among governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to broaden the application of these solutions.
High-Level Sessions and Discussions
Among the key events during Cairo Water Week was a high-level session co-hosted by the UAE, Senegal, and Egypt titled “The Last Mile to Abu Dhabi: From Dialogue to Action in Preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference.” This was followed by technical discussions with co-chairs of the interactive dialogues aimed at reviewing progress on the six interactive dialogues of the conference, advancing new initiatives, and identifying opportunities for expedited implementation both before and after the conference.
The UAE expressed appreciation for Egypt’s contribution in preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference, including its co-chairing with Japan of the interactive dialogue titled “Water for a Sustainable Planet,” acknowledging the efforts of all co-chairs, member states, and stakeholders involved in this process.
Interactive Dialogues and Collaboration
The six dialogues will bring together countries and stakeholders to identify practical solutions, enhance partnerships, mobilise financing, deliver necessary technology, and strengthen capacities to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all.
Alongside Cairo Water Week, Balalaa also held bilateral meetings aimed at furthering discussions related to the 2026 UN Water Conference, ensuring it becomes a transformative moment in the global water agenda. These meetings included engagements with Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sewilam; Jordan’s Minister of Water and Irrigation, Engineer Raed Abu Saud; Netherlands’ Water Envoy Maika van Ginneken; and Finland’s Special Envoy on Water, Antti Rutavara.
Political Commitment to Water Issues
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted delegates and ministers participating in Cairo Water Week at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace, alongside Dr. Hani Sewilam and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty. During the meeting, Balalaa emphasised the need for political attention to water issues at the highest levels, noting that the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi provides a pivotal opportunity for heads of state to renew their commitments to international cooperation in water management.
Engaging Stakeholders
Throughout Cairo Water Week, the UAE also called upon companies, investors, innovators, researchers, youth, and all stakeholders to engage in “The Oasis,” a space set to operate alongside the UN Conference Programme. “The Oasis” will feature diverse programmes and exhibitions showcasing deep experiences and country pavilions, offering solutions to water challenges while enabling innovators to connect with potential partners and investors. This initiative aims to support the transition of promising ideas into actionable projects and expansive solutions.