Cairo:Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam has emphasized the necessity for ongoing international collaboration to expedite the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on water. He called for enhanced cooperation among countries, international organizations, financial institutions, civil society, universities, and the private sector.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Sewilam noted the positive impact of the 2023 United Nations Water Conference in reinvigorating the global water agenda. He emphasized the importance of building on this momentum by converting international commitments into concrete actions that yield tangible outcomes.

During a meeting with senior ministry officials on Sunday, Sewilam discussed Egypt's preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in December. The meeting addressed Egypt's involvement in the conference sessions, key topics, and initiatives. There was a focus on strengthening joint international efforts on water and leveraging the results of the six interactive dialogues from the previous conference.

Sewilam highlighted the collaboration between Egypt and Japan in their co-chairmanship of the third interactive dialogue, "Water for the Planet." He commended Japan's active cooperation and the role of international partners and organizations in fostering pioneering initiatives.

The minister stressed that initiatives at the conference should go beyond declarations, serving as actionable strategies to mobilize partnerships and resources. He advocated for increased coordination with host countries and dialogue co-chairs to identify synergies among initiatives to enhance their impact.

Sewilam reiterated that the 2026 conference is a crucial point in the ongoing international efforts on water, not just a standalone event. He emphasized the need for continuous efforts to implement initiatives, achieve measurable results, and use accumulated experience to strengthen international cooperation frameworks. This approach, he stated, is vital for the success of future conferences, including the 2028 United Nations Water Conference, and in addressing global water challenges for a sustainable future.