Cairo:The United Arab Emirates has issued a call for enhanced international cooperation and increased investment in water solutions to promote stability, shared prosperity, and a sustainable planet during Cairo Water Week. This event is part of the preparations for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ninth edition of Cairo Water Week was inaugurated with the theme 'Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet.' The opening ceremony featured Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, along with various ministers and high-level officials. His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasized the need for governments, investors, and businesses to prioritize water in their economic planning and investment decisions, linking promising innovations with the necessary capital and partnerships.
Balalaa highlighted the UAE's approach to water security, which is rooted in innovative solutions and cooperation. He stressed the importance of developing bankable projects and fostering partnerships between governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to scale solutions effectively.
A significant focus of Cairo Water Week was a session titled 'The Final Mile to Abu Dhabi From Dialogue to Action for the 2026 UN Water Conference,' convened by the UAE, Senegal, and Egypt. This session, along with subsequent technical discussions, brought together government officials and leaders from international organizations to review progress on the Conference's six Interactive Dialogues and identify opportunities to accelerate implementation.
The UAE acknowledged Egypt's contributions to the 2026 UN Water Conference preparations, specifically its co-chair role with Japan in the Interactive Dialogue on 'Water for Planet.' The six Dialogues aim to unite countries and stakeholders in identifying practical solutions and mobilizing the necessary resources to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 clean water and sanitation for all.
On the sidelines of the event, Balalaa engaged in bilateral meetings with officials from Egypt, Jordan, the Netherlands, and Finland to further discussions for the 2026 UN Water Conference, ensuring its pivotal role in the global water agenda.
During the meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Balalaa underscored the importance of elevating water issues to the highest political levels, noting that the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi will be a critical opportunity for Heads of State to reaffirm their commitment to international cooperation on water.
The UAE also extended an invitation to businesses, investors, innovators, researchers, and other stakeholders to participate in The Oasis, an inclusive space alongside the UN Conference programme. The Oasis will feature dynamic programming, exhibitions, and country pavilions to showcase water solutions and facilitate connections with potential partners and investors.
For more information on the 2026 UN Water Conference and The Oasis, visit their official website.