As the world grapples with numerous crises — from conflicts and wars to fierce economic, commercial, and technological competition — a looming threat casts a more profound shadow over humanity: the water crisis. The planet is heading towards a water bankruptcy, with approximately three-quarters of the global population suffering from water insecurity or approaching critical situations.
The Water Crisis: A Growing Global Emergency
According to United Nations reports, four billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, while two billion lack access to safe drinking water. Additionally, around 3.5 billion individuals do not have access to safe sanitation services. Furthermore, incidents of water-related violence have increased significantly — from 235 occurrences in 2022 to 419 in 2024. The escalating water crisis threatens to spark conflicts between nations in Africa and Asia over disputes regarding shared river resources.
The United Arab Emirates Steps Up
In light of this escalating crisis, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to host the United Nations Water Conference from December 8-10 in collaboration with Senegal. The conference aims to transition international commitments into actionable solutions, addressing potential global disasters if the situation is not tackled promptly. The dual challenges of climate change and political conflicts further exacerbate the urgency of finding effective resolutions.
Strategic Initiatives for Water Security
The UAE’s initiatives are rooted in its Water Security Strategy 2036, which strives to ensure sustainable access to water during both normal and extreme conditions. The plan includes reducing overall water resource demand by 21% and increasing the reuse of treated water to 95%. This proactive approach is vital for combating the urgent global challenge of water scarcity and advancing innovative technological solutions to provide access to water for all, affirming that water is a fundamental human right that must not be overlooked.
Mobilising Investment for Change
The current session of the United Nations General Assembly serves as a platform for the UAE to bolster its preparations for the upcoming water conference. In an effort to drive projects from the proposal stage to investment readiness, the UAE convened around 50 CEOs, investors, and philanthropic leaders at its permanent mission in New York. The meeting, titled “Investing in Water is Investing in Growth,” was hosted by the UAE’s Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, Badr Jafar, alongside Abdullah Balhi, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, who oversees the UAE’s preparations for the international water conference. Balhi emphasised the importance of international cooperation in addressing the water challenges facing the globe, noting that Gulf nations are collaborating on solutions. He urged entrepreneurs to engage in the development of innovative solutions through advanced technology.
A Global Crossroads in Water Management
The world stands at a critical juncture in confronting the water crisis. Success in this endeavour will determine the ability to avert imminent disasters that could exacerbate existing wars and conflicts, underscoring the need for collective action and collaboration.