Cairo:Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam has highlighted the significance of Cairo Water Week as a pivotal international forum for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership building to tackle water-related challenges.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Sewilam expressed gratitude to the international organizations, national institutions, and companies that supported the ninth edition of the event, held from October 25 to 29 under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The event was themed 'Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity and a Sustainable Planet.'

Sewilam emphasized the event's success and widespread international participation, underscoring the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable water development. He affirmed the Ministry's dedication to fostering cooperation with international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector to advance the second-generation water system (2.0) and support the National Water Resources and Irrigation Strategy 2050.

The minister praised the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for co-organizing the event. He also acknowledged UNESCO, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for their contributions.

Sewilam extended his appreciation to the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and other partners, including GIZ, the German Development Bank (KFW), and the embassies of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. He also mentioned IHE Delft and the American University in Cairo for their support.

Germany's RWTH Aachen University was thanked for its contribution to AI-based training and the development of a presentation for the Irrigation Museum in the New Administrative Capital. National sponsors like the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority, the Agricultural Bank of Egypt, Gennat Agricultural Company, and PepsiCo Egypt were also recognized for their support of water and food security initiatives.

The five-day event concluded on Thursday, featuring 137 technical and scientific sessions and competitions. It witnessed participation from ministers, governors, ambassadors, and international and regional organizations, including FAO, the EU, UNESCO, IWMI, and the World Water Council (WWC).