Saudi Arabia and Senegal have jointly called for enhanced international cooperation to address the escalating global water crisis. This appeal was made during a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly, where both nations emphasized the urgent need to tackle issues such as water scarcity, rising demand, and limited access to safe water.
Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs, stressed that water security is crucial for international stability, economic growth, and community resilience. He argued that addressing global water challenges requires more than just increasing water availability; it also demands improved governance, technology, accessibility, and greater international collaboration. Al-Rassi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in managing water scarcity through desalination, technological investments, and its National Water Strategy 2030.
Senegal echoed these sentiments, urging that water be prioritized in international policy discussions, especially as water issues are increasingly linked 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 model for collaborative problem-solving among nations.
Retno Marsudi, the United Nations special envoy on water, noted that progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal on water and sanitation is insufficient. She highlighted that millions worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation, calling for stronger collective action to address these deficiencies.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 11th World Water Forum in March 2027. Meanwhile, Senegal and the United Arab Emirates will co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, signaling continued international efforts to tackle water-related challenges.