Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Suwailm, attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy. The event, which takes place from September 29 to October 2, 2026, brings together numerous ministers, officials, experts, and representatives from international and regional organizations across the Mediterranean region, Europe, the Balkans, North Africa, and the Middle East. The forum aims to discuss pressing water-related issues and enhance cooperation in sustainable water resource management.
The forum features over 100 conferences and meetings, with a significant presence of international delegations and water sector specialists. The opening ceremony included speeches and interventions from prominent officials, including Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome; Antonio Tajani, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Fadi El Hajjali, Acting Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean; and Retno Marsudi, UN Special Envoy for Water.
The 2026 Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum follows the second ministerial meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean on water, which took place in Rome on September 28, 2026. During this meeting, a ministerial declaration on water was adopted, emphasizing the importance of enhancing regional and transboundary cooperation, supporting sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation services, and transforming political commitments into practical initiatives and projects.
Minister Suwailm will participate in several high-level sessions and events during the forum, focusing on topics such as water security, non-conventional water resources, water reuse, desalination, and international cooperation in addressing water scarcity challenges. He will also exchange views and expertise with international ministers, officials, and experts on promoting sustainable water resource management and translating policies and strategies into implementable solutions and projects.
Egypt's participation in the forum reflects the country's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Mediterranean region countries and exchanging experiences in water resource management. This engagement underscores the importance of collective efforts to address water scarcity and climate change challenges, promoting innovative solutions and non-conventional water resources to achieve water security and sustainable development.
The Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations and stakeholders in the Mediterranean region. By engaging in this event, Egypt aims to contribute to the development of effective strategies for managing water resources, ensuring a more sustainable and secure future for the region.
Through his participation in the forum, Minister Suwailm aims to strengthen Egypt's presence on the international stage, advocating for the country's interests and expertise in water resource management. The event offers a valuable opportunity for Egypt to share its experiences and learn from best practices, ultimately enhancing its capabilities in addressing water-related challenges.
Key points
- Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Suwailm attends the 2026 Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy.
