Riyadh: The Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani emphasized that strategic partnerships are crucial for achieving sustainable development in the water sector, both locally and globally.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Alshaibani made these remarks during a dialogue session titled “The Power of Partnerships: Unlocking Potential for Sustainable Development” at the WEX Global 2025 in Spain. He underlined that the Saudi water sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by integration among various stakeholders to enhance efficiency and sustainability. He highlighted Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on public-private partnerships as a crucial development driver, noting the establishment of the Saudi Center for International Strategic Partnership in 2017 to coordinate these efforts.

Internationally, Saudi Arabia recognizes its global responsibility and seeks to foster cooperation on water issues, Alshaibani emphasized. He warned that water scarcity or pollution in any region can have global economic consequences. He added that the Kingdom has launched several initiatives to boost international cooperation in this context.

In his concluding remarks, he emphasized that it is essential to establish partnerships with clear goals, defined outcomes, and a shared understanding across various sectors in order to achieve sustainable development. “This approach is vital for making a tangible and lasting impact,” he stated.