President El-Sisi’s Speech at the Opening of the 7th Cairo Water Week

alhadath – cairo

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful”

Distinguished Ministers,

Distinguished Ambassadors,

Distinguished Representatives of delegations and organizations

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me pleasure to welcome you today at the opening of the Cairo Water Week in its 7th edition, which is held under the theme “Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities.” This annual event has evolved into a renewed international platform dedicated to fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise, nurturing business growth, strengthening scientific research and stimulating innovation within the realm of water resource management.

We were determined to convene this timely gathering, despite the current formidable global challenges, given the critical importance of addressing such pressing issues like water management and resource development, notably in light of the escalating crisis of water scarcity due to both natural and man-made causes and elements. There is also an urgent need to discuss large-scale projects designed to leverage shared transnational rivers, without adequate research and considerations for the absolute need to safeguard the safety and sustainability of international water resources, in line with the International Water Law, which mandates prior notification, information sharing, and consultations. It also stipulates conducting the requisite studies and ensuring the fulfilment of fundamental human needs, while avoiding any detrimental consequences.

Convening this year’s Cairo Water Week coincides with the “Africa Water Week” and the “Africa Hydrological Conference”, which serves as a valuable opportunity to engage in in-depth deliberations on critical water issues in the continent.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Egypt considers water as a matter of paramount priority, specifically recognizing the Nile River’s inextricable link to the life and survival of the Egyptian people. The Nile is the principle source of water for our country, accounting for over 98% of Egypt’s water supply. Therefore, safeguarding this vital source is an existential imperative that requires unwavering political commitment, diligent political efforts and collaborative partnership with brotherly countries to ensure achieving our shared aspirations.

Grounded in its profound commitment to its African identity, Egypt has adopted a multitude of water-related initiatives and programs for the continent. Egypt’s current chairmanship of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) is a further testament to its commitment. As chair, Egypt seeks to promote regional collaboration on water issues and strengthen member states’ efforts toward fulfilling the water-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, Egypt is fostering closer bilateral cooperation in the domain of water with a number of African countries, notably Nile Basin countries. Egypt is actively funding and implementing a range of water projects, including well drilling, waterway clearing, establishing rain prediction centers, port rehabilitation and rainwater harvesting dams.

In this regard, I call on the international community to urgently bolster its support for African states’ endeavors in water resources management and to provide essential funding and technology for projects and programs that seek to enhance water security, spur development, and foster peace in the African continent.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Water is the secret of life and the foundation for every progress and growth. Today, we are appealing to the entire world from Egypt, the bounty of the great River Nile, to recognize water as a fundamental human right and to elevate its significance on the global agenda.

Finally, I would like to thank you, once again, and welcome you all in your second homeland, Egypt. I also look forward to the Cairo Water Week’s success in yielding recommendations that will serve to further advance the global water agenda, thereby driving our development aspirations and cultivating prosperity and stability in the entire world.

May Allah guide you and crown your efforts with success

May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon you