On September 26, 2026, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt's Prime Minister, delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He stressed that regional crises should not be viewed in isolation but as part of an interconnected security and regional environment. This environment supports national state institutions, unity, and sovereignty, and encourages political settlements based on national and regional ownership of solutions.
Madbouly emphasized that protecting countries and their sovereignty is inextricably linked to safeguarding the resources that sustain their populations. He specifically highlighted that water security for Egypt is a matter of existence that cannot be compromised. The Nile River, he noted, is not just an economic resource but a lifeline that has been integral to Egyptian society and development throughout history.
Egypt, under Madbouly's statement, believes that transboundary water resources should be a domain for cooperation and integration, rather than conflict. The country also believes that water security and development are complementary goals when there is political will, good intentions, and respect for international law. This perspective is crucial in the context of managing shared water resources in the region.
The Prime Minister's address to the UN General Assembly also touched upon the challenges posed by geopolitical and economic crises. He pointed out that these crises impose increasing burdens on developing countries. This statement reflects Egypt's concerns about the impact of global challenges on national development and stability.
Madbouly's emphasis on water security comes at a time when Egypt, along with other Nile Basin countries, faces challenges related to the management and distribution of the Nile's waters. Egypt has historically been dependent on the Nile for its agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs. The country's stance on water security is therefore not just a national issue but also a regional one.
In his speech, Madbouly called for cooperation and collective action to address the complex challenges facing the region. He advocated for the prevention of external interventions and the prohibition of using crises as arenas for international and regional competition over resources. This approach, Egypt believes, can help in achieving sustainable solutions to ongoing conflicts and crises.
The international community has been increasingly recognizing the importance of water security in the context of global development and peace. Egypt's push for emphasizing water security as a matter of national existence underscores the critical nature of this issue for the country's future. The global community's response to Egypt's call for cooperation on water security and other regional challenges will be crucial in the coming years.
Key points
- Egypt's Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly emphasizes that water security is a matter of existence for Egypt, stressing the need for cooperation and collective action to address regional challenges.
