On November 4, 2026, in Marrakech, Moroccan Minister of Equipment, Water, and Forests, Nizar Baraka, highlighted the need for an integrated approach to address water challenges. He stressed that solutions cannot be limited to technical measures alone. Instead, a comprehensive strategy combining planning, governance, scientific research, regional cooperation, and participation from all stakeholders is required. This statement was made during the closing ceremony of the 1st Arabophone Water Academic Summit.
Baraka noted that Arabophone countries face converging water challenges, exacerbated by climate change, recurring droughts, increasing demand, and degradation of water resources. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the youth's potential to generate value-added benefits for public policies, particularly in managing water resources. This is crucial for economic development and ensuring a dignified life.
The Minister announced that Morocco's Hydraulic Basin Agencies are willing to create a network with their counterparts in Arab countries. This network aims to promote sharing experiences and best practices in water management. Baraka expressed his conviction that the Arabophone Water Academic Summit will play a fundamental role in developing constructive proposals and solutions to enrich and guide water policies in the Arabophone region.
Jeannette Pretot, president-founder of the NGO "Ambassade de l'Eau" (AdE), praised Morocco for its ingrained water culture. She noted that the summit provided a platform for dialogue among students, university presidents, researchers, and water management officials from the Arabophone region. The summit aimed to foster cooperation and knowledge sharing among participants.
Abdennabi El Mandour, director of the Mohammed VI Museum for Water Civilization, expressed pride in the summit's success. The event brought together academics, experts, researchers, officials, and young people from various Arab countries. The adoption of the Marrakech Declaration and the launch of the Arabophone Water Space initiative marked a significant step towards establishing sustainable academic and scientific cooperation.
The 1st Arabophone Water Academic Summit was initiated by the NGO "Ambassade de l'Eau" (AdE), in partnership with the AMAN Museum, Cadi Ayyad University, and Ambassade de l'Eau Afrique. The summit gathered institutional officials, academics, and international experts to discuss water management challenges. It aimed to promote cooperation and develop concerted solutions to address water challenges.
The second edition of the Arabophone Water Academic Summit is scheduled to take place in Lebanon in 2028. The event seeks to contribute to the emergence of a sustainable academic cooperation dynamic among Arabophone countries. This will involve universities, public institutions, experts, and young generations in reflecting on the future of water resources.
Key points
- Moroccan Minister Nizar Baraka advocates for an integrated approach to address water challenges in Arabophone countries.
- The 1st Arabophone Water Academic Summit was held in Marrakech to promote cooperation and knowledge sharing among participants.
- The summit resulted in the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration and the launch of the Arabophone Water Space initiative.
