Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Suwelim has emphasized that preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference are focusing on transitioning from pledges to actual implementation, financing, and sustainability. He made these remarks during a high-level session at the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum 2026 in Rome, Italy. The conference aims to build on the success of the 2023 UN Water Conference, which garnered over 700 voluntary commitments.
Suwelim highlighted that the current focus is on mechanisms for implementation, rather than making new voluntary pledges. The goal is to support ideas and initiatives, transforming them into executable and measurable projects that can be financed and have a lasting impact. Egypt has received 12 pioneering initiative proposals, which are being integrated into interconnected areas, including the use of artificial intelligence, earth observation data, and hydrological information.
The Egyptian minister also revealed that the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation is being expanded to become a regional platform for capacity building and leadership development in water resources management and climate adaptation. This expansion aims to enhance the center's role in supporting African countries in addressing water and climate challenges.
Suwelim stressed the importance of the Cairo Water Week, which will serve as the final preparatory stop before the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. The event will showcase preliminary directions and facilitate coordination among partners. The minister also noted that the interactive dialogues' leaders acknowledged the significance of the Cairo Water Week in finalizing preparations for the 2026 conference.
The 2026 UN Water Conference is expected to build on the momentum generated by the 2023 conference, which successfully raised international awareness and mobilized commitments. Egypt's efforts to expand the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation and host the Cairo Water Week demonstrate its commitment to supporting regional and global initiatives on water and climate issues.
Suwelim's participation in the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum 2026 underscores Egypt's engagement in international efforts to address water and climate challenges. The forum provided a platform for discussing the outcomes of the ministerial meeting on water in the Mediterranean region and preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The expansion of the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation and the organization of the Cairo Water Week reflect Egypt's proactive approach to addressing water and climate issues in Africa and globally. The country's efforts aim to foster cooperation, build capacity, and support the implementation of projects that can have a lasting impact on water resources management and climate adaptation.
Key points
- Egypt is expanding the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation to support capacity building and leadership development in water resources management and climate adaptation.
