Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam reviewed preparations for the 9th edition of Cairo Water Week, scheduled to take place from October 25-29, 2026. Sewilam emphasized the event's significance as a central mechanism for enhancing international cooperation as part of the Second Generation Egyptian Water System 2.0. The gathering aims to provide a global platform for policymakers, experts, international organizations, and development partners to exchange knowledge and support sustainable development efforts.
According to State Information Service Egypt, preparations for the scientific conference have made significant strides. The scientific committee has completed the initial evaluation of submitted abstracts and is reviewing extended abstracts and full papers. This process precedes the final peer-review and selection of presentations. The technical programme is expanding, with regional and international partners collaborating to organize specialized sessions, and additional events targeting key water-related challenges being integrated into the agenda.
A total of 133 official invitations have been dispatched to representatives worldwide, with responses received from 13 countries. Coordination with governments and international organizations is ongoing. The report also noted strong participation in competitions supporting young researchers and innovators, with 167 applicants in the Young Innovators Competition, 117 projects submitted to the Ala El Aad Competition, and 37 contestants in the Three Minute Thesis Competition. Submissions for the Best Graduation Projects Competition will open on August 15, 2026.
The event will feature several high-level regional and international meetings, including the Seventh Arab Water Conference on October 26-27, under the theme "Water in the Arab Region: Partnerships for Peace and Sustainable Development." Key topics will include water-use efficiency, governance of shared water resources, innovative financing, non-conventional water resources, and smart water management.
Cairo Water Week will also host a high-level event on water security organized by the World Water Council in cooperation with China's Ministry of Water Resources. Additionally, the event will serve as the final preparatory session for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, with co-chairs of Interactive Dialogues 2, 3, and 5 coordinating priorities and developing joint messages to support the conference's outcomes.
Organizers are also working with the World Water Council and the 11th World Water Forum organizers for a special session as part of the "Road to Riyadh 2027" initiative. This aims to maintain continuity in global dialogue on water issues and strengthen links between Cairo Water Week outcomes and the upcoming World Water Forum in Saudi Arabia.
Sewilam underscored the importance of continuous follow-up on organizational and technical preparations to ensure the event reflects its international stature and highlights Egypt's role in promoting global dialogue and cooperation on water issues.