United nations: United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi emphasized that the objectives of the inaugural Saudi Water Week come at a critical time. She highlighted the importance of building partnerships, identifying practical solutions to address water challenges, and engaging the private sector as a key driver of innovation, expertise, and technology. She also noted that global water risks continue to grow amid increasing demand driven by population growth and economic development.

According to Saudi Press Agency, speaking at the opening ceremony of Saudi Water Week 2026, Marsudi said the event's focus on innovation and digital transformation reflects the urgent need to harness modern technologies to improve water management, increase efficiency, and strengthen resilience. She added that while solutions are available, their implementation requires capable institutions, supportive policies, greater investment, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and building human and institutional capacity.

Marsudi stressed the need to move water from the margins of development policy to the center of political, economic, and climate decision-making. She said progress in the water sector is essential to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as water underpins food production, energy generation, urban development, and environmental protection.

She said the priorities of Saudi Water Week are closely aligned with the broader global agenda and emphasized that this shared understanding must now be translated into practical action. Marsudi also pointed to the momentum generated by the international community in recent years, particularly following the UN 2023 Water Conference, which mobilized hundreds of commitments to advance global water security.