Cairo: Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem held a meeting with Khaledoun Kashman, Secretary-General of the Arab Water Utilities Association (ACWUA), to explore avenues for strengthened collaboration in water management. Discussions focused on mechanisms for co-operation between the Ministry and ACWUA, as well as training initiatives and knowledge transfer. During the meeting, Kashman extended an official invitation from Raed Abu Al-Saud, Jordanian Minister of Water and Irrigation, to Sweilem to participate in the ‘7th Arab Water Week,’ in Jordan, May 4-6, 2025.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister Sweilem emphasised the critical water scarcity challenges facing the Arab region, noting that 19 out of 22 Arab countries fall within the water scarcity threshold, with 21 relying on shared international water resources. He highlighted that approximately 390 million people, nearly 90 per cent of the region’s population, reside in water-stressed countries. Sweilem noted, ‘The pressures on our freshwater resources are exacerbated by population growth, shifting consumption patterns, and the escalating impacts of climate change.’
Sweilem also pointed out that recent extreme weather events, such as the devastating hurricane in Libya and severe floods in Somalia, underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges. Furthermore, the humanitarian crises stemming from conflicts, exemplified by the situation in Gaza, further strain the ability to provide essential water, food, and energy resources. He stressed the importance of Arab countries intensifying collaborative efforts, exchanging expertise, and leveraging innovative technologies and scientific research to advance water resource management.
He underscored the ministry’s commitment to further strengthening partnerships with Arab counterparts, citing existing memoranda of cooperation with Jordan, the UAE, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Tunisia, Palestine, Lebanon, and Morocco. Sweilem also commended the ongoing efforts of Arab countries to enhance water management practices, maximize water efficiency, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.