Riyadh: Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Global Water Organization (GWO) officially launched operations from its headquarters in Riyadh today, with founding member states signing the organization's charter.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ceremony, attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, marked a pivotal moment in addressing global water challenges through a comprehensive approach to resource management and international cooperation.
In the opening remarks, Prince Faisal conveyed the greetings and appreciation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince to the delegates from participating countries and organizations. In his address, he emphasized the critical importance of the Global Water Organization in tackling water issues worldwide through a holistic approach.
Prince Faisal stated that the launch of the Global Water Organization affirms Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening international initiatives and addressing global challenges through partnerships based on cooperation between countries and governments. He expressed the Kingdom's anticipation of the organization becoming an international platform that drives sustainable solutions and supports developing nations in enhancing their water capabilities.
Prince Faisal highlighted that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years, emphasizing that collective action is essential to achieve shared objectives. He invited all countries of the world and private sector entities to join the organization.
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley participated in the ceremony and highlighted that the signing of the charter and the launch of GWO operations from Riyadh reinforce the shared international responsibility to preserve water resources.
Alfadley added that the significance of the organization stems from the fact that water is not just a resource, but a source of economic and social development and stability worldwide. He described the organization as a collective global mind working to develop and integrate the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges comprehensively.
Alfadley explained that the Global Water Organization will lead international efforts to address water-related challenges and transform traditional water management approaches. These challenges include ensuring water availability at the right time and place and recognizing its impact on the economy, public health, food security, and supply chains, especially amid climate change. He emphasized the need for an integrated system covering all stages of the water cycle, innovative economic models based on cost-benefit analysis, new financing mechanisms, reduced reliance on government subsidies, and active private sector involvement.
The ceremony witnessed the signing of the Global Water Organization charter by representatives of the founding countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Senegal, Pakistan, the Hellenic Republic, and Mauritania.
The Global Water Organization represents a turning point in international cooperation on water issues through research and development programs, expertise exchange, and innovative solutions that enhance the sustainability of water resources worldwide. It aims to strengthen the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges comprehensively.