Saudi Arabia calls for enhancing global water cooperation at Istanbul Forum

ISTANBUL — Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Water Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shibani emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in addressing growing water challenges.Addressing the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, he called for a shift in perspective on water from a sectoral issue to a strategic economic link connecting climate, food, energy, health, and ecosystems. Al-Shibani stressed the importance of unifying international efforts through governance, innovation, and data utilization to enhance water resilience. Al-Shibani leads a high-level Saudi delegation attending the two-day conference, which will conclude on Wednesday. This participation in the conference underscores strengthening the Kingdom’s international presence in water issues.The Kingdom’s delegation, in partnership with the World Water Council, organized a session linking the Istanbul forum’s outcomes to preparations for the upcoming World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027, reviewing progress toward the second stakeholders’ consultative meeting, scheduled for June 28–29 in Jeddah.