Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, has hailed Cairo Water Week as a key international platform for dialogue, exchanging expertise, and building partnerships to tackle water challenges. The ninth edition of the event, held from October 25 to 29, 2026, was attended by ministers, governors, ambassadors, and representatives from international and regional organizations. The event was held under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and carried the theme “Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity and a Sustainable Planet.”
Sewilam expressed his gratitude to the international organizations, national institutions, and companies that supported the event. The European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) co-organized the event, while UNESCO, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) made significant contributions. The Minister also commended the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for their roles.
The five-day event featured 137 technical and scientific sessions and competitions, showcasing the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable water development. Sewilam emphasized the Ministry's commitment to strengthening cooperation with international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector. This cooperation aims to implement the second-generation water system (2.0), support the National Water Resources and Irrigation Strategy 2050, and promote regional and international cooperation.
The Minister praised various national and international partners for their support, including GIZ, the German Development Bank (KFW), the Dutch and British embassies, IHE Delft, and the American University in Cairo. Germany's RWTH Aachen University was also recognized for supporting AI-based training and developing a presentation for the Irrigation Museum in the New Administrative Capital. National sponsors, such as the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority, the Agricultural Bank of Egypt, Gennat Agricultural Company, and PepsiCo Egypt, were commended for their efforts to strengthen water and food security.
The success of Cairo Water Week and its broad international participation underscore the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing water challenges. Sewilam's statement on Friday, October 30, 2026, highlighted the Ministry's dedication to building on the momentum generated by the event. The Cairo Water Week has become a premier platform for global dialogue on water issues, attracting high-level participation from around the world.
The event's theme, “Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity and a Sustainable Planet,” reflects the critical role of water in achieving sustainable development and peace. The participation of ministers, governors, ambassadors, and international organizations demonstrates the recognition of water as a key factor in global cooperation and development. The Cairo Water Week has provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders to share knowledge, expertise, and innovative solutions to address water challenges.
As the event concluded on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the outcomes and recommendations are expected to contribute to the global dialogue on water issues. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is set to follow up on the commitments and partnerships established during the event. The Cairo Water Week has cemented its position as a vital platform for international cooperation and knowledge sharing on water challenges, with the next edition anticipated to build on the success of the ninth edition.
Key points
- Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam praises Cairo Water Week as a crucial international platform for addressing water challenges.
- The event was attended by high-level participants, including ministers, governors, ambassadors, and representatives from international and regional organizations.
- The Cairo Water Week has become a premier platform for global dialogue on water issues, attracting high-level participation from around the world.
