Riyadh: His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the One Water Summit, emphasizing the urgent need to address environmental challenges related to water scarcity and drought. The summit, co-chaired by President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and World Bank President Ajay Banga, aims to foster international cooperation in the water sector.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Crown Prince expressed his hopes for the success of the summit, highlighting its alignment with the 16th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16). He underscored the increasing global challenges of water scarcity and the need for collective efforts to ensure sustainable water resources. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has committed over $6 billion to support more than 200 water projects in over 60 developing countries.

The Crown Prince announced plans to host the 11th Wo
rld Water Forum in 2027, in partnership with the World Water Council, and the establishment of a global water organization based in Riyadh. This organization will aim to unify efforts to address water challenges globally, promoting the exchange of expertise and innovative technologies.

The One Water Summit serves as a platform for countries, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector to discuss solutions for water-related challenges in environmental contexts. It seeks to respond to the global water crisis exacerbated by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and to prepare for the United Nations Water Conference in 2026.