Egyptian Minister of Water Resources, Hani Suwelim, has overseen preparations for the 9th Cairo Water Week, scheduled for October 25-29, 2026. The event, under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, will be held under the theme "Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet." Suwelim met with members of the event's executive secretariat to review the status of international participation.
The 9th Cairo Water Week has garnered significant international attention, with 11 ministers and a special envoy, four deputy ministers or heads of delegations, and several representatives from international organizations and research institutions confirming their participation. The event will feature 114 technical and scientific sessions, including those organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNESCO, and the International Water Management Institute.
The conference program includes high-level sessions, such as a preparatory meeting for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and a session on green water. The event also features a special session by the World Water Council in preparation for the 11th World Water Forum in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Arab League will host the 7th Arab Water Conference, focusing on "Water in the Arab Region: Partnerships for Sustainable Development and Peace."
A total of 122 research abstracts were submitted to the scientific committee, of which 104 were accepted after initial evaluation. The committee selected 40 expanded abstracts and 26 full research papers to proceed to the next stage. To enhance the scientific output of the event, a collaboration with the World Water Policy journal has been established, offering authors of high-quality research papers the opportunity to publish their work without any fees.
The event's competitions, targeting young people, researchers, and innovators, have attracted significant interest. Works submitted for the "Camel Ride," "Three-Minute Thesis," "Young Innovators in Water," "Best Practices for Water Conservation," and "Best Graduation Projects" competitions are currently being evaluated. Preparations for the accompanying exhibition have also been completed, with 16 booths booked by major Egyptian and international companies.
To facilitate participation, a digital platform has been developed for registration, allowing for applications for the scientific committee and competitions. The platform has been improved for ease of use, and cybersecurity requirements have been considered. A mobile application is also being developed to track session attendance and ensure data integration.
The 9th Cairo Water Week is expected to bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss pressing water-related issues. Key points to be addressed include the importance of water for peace and sustainable development, and the need for effective partnerships to address water challenges.
Key points
- The 9th Cairo Water Week will feature 114 technical and scientific sessions.
- The event has attracted significant international participation, with 11 ministers and a special envoy confirming their attendance.
- A collaboration with the World Water Policy journal has been established to publish high-quality research papers.
