Riyadh Hosts 11th World Water Forum Preparatory Talks

Saudi Arabia will host the first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh on Monday, April 14 and Tuesday, April 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s growing leadership in global water governance. The two-day gathering, organized in collaboration with the World Water Council, brings together representatives from the public and private sectors, international and local organizations, and a distinguished group of experts, officials, and stakeholders in global and local water-related issues, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The preparatory meeting represents the first formal step toward the 11th World Water Forum, which is scheduled to take place in March 2027 in Saudi Arabia. The forum is widely recognized as the largest global gathering in the water sector, convening thousands of participants from governments, international institutions, academia, civil society, and the private sector to address the world’s most pressing water challenges. As the host nation, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the center of international efforts to advance sustainable water resource management, innovative financing, and cross-border cooperation. The preparatory talks in Riyadh will set the stage for the thematic priorities, agenda, and organizational framework of the 2027 forum, ensuring that the event delivers meaningful outcomes for the global water community.

Context and Background

Why has water risen to the top of the global policy agenda, and why is Saudi Arabia the right nation to lead this conversation? The World Water Forum, held every three years, is the world’s largest international event dedicated to water-related issues. It is organized by the World Water Council, an international multi-stakeholder platform established in 1996 to promote awareness, build political commitment, and trigger action on critical water issues at all levels. Previous editions of the forum have been hosted in cities such as Marrakech, Brasília, Istanbul, Marseille, The Hague, and Dakar, each building on the outcomes of its predecessor to shape global water policies and practices.

The 11th edition, to be held in Saudi Arabia in March 2027, will be the first World Water Forum hosted in the Middle East region, underscoring the Kingdom’s emergence as a global leader in water innovation and sustainability. The preparatory meeting in Riyadh on April 14-15, 2025, serves as the official launch of the planning cycle, bringing together key stakeholders to define the forum’s strategic direction. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the meeting will include an opening session, a stakeholders’ meeting, and planning activities designed to determine key global discussion topics and priorities. Several sessions and workshops featuring local and international speakers will also be held, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s leading role in championing global water issues.

Saudi Arabia’s credentials in the water sector are well established. The Kingdom possesses the world’s largest desalination capacity and has achieved the lowest energy consumption in desalination processes globally, a testament to its commitment to innovation and efficiency. Beyond its domestic achievements, Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in funding water-resource development projects worldwide, supporting nations in need and contributing to global water security. This combination of technological leadership, financial commitment, and diplomatic engagement positions the Kingdom as a credible and influential host for the 2027 forum.

Key Details of the Preparatory Meeting

What exactly will be discussed during the two-day preparatory meeting in Riyadh? The agenda is structured to maximize stakeholder engagement and produce actionable outcomes that will shape the 2027 forum. The opening session will set the tone, featuring remarks from senior Saudi officials and representatives of the World Water Council, who will outline the objectives of the preparatory process and the broader vision for the 11th World Water Forum. The stakeholders’ meeting will provide a platform for diverse voices—from government ministries and international organizations to private-sector companies and civil society groups—to share perspectives on the most urgent water challenges and opportunities facing the world today.

Planning activities will focus on determining the key global discussion topics and priorities for the 2027 forum. These may include themes such as water scarcity and drought resilience, climate change adaptation, transboundary water cooperation, innovative financing mechanisms, technological advancements in desalination and water reuse, and the role of water in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation. The sessions and workshops will feature local and international speakers who will delve into these topics, fostering dialogue and generating ideas that will inform the forum’s thematic framework. The outcomes of these discussions will be compiled and carried forward to subsequent preparatory meetings and ultimately to the main event in 2027.

The preparatory meeting also serves a diplomatic function, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. By bringing together a wide array of stakeholders, the Kingdom is demonstrating its ability to convene global actors, facilitate dialogue, and drive consensus—skills that are essential for addressing complex, cross-border challenges like water security. The participation of international organizations and experts underscores the confidence that the global community places in Saudi Arabia’s leadership and its capacity to host a successful and impactful forum.

The Global Water Crisis and the Need for Collective Action

Why does the world need a forum like this now more than ever? According to the United Nations, over two billion people currently live in countries experiencing high water stress, and this figure is projected to rise as populations grow, economies develop, and climate change intensifies. Water scarcity, flooding, pollution, and inadequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation are pressing issues that affect every continent. The World Water Forum provides a unique platform for sharing ideas and knowledge, fostering cooperation among stakeholders worldwide, and showcasing best international practices for sustainable water resource management.

The forum’s multi-stakeholder approach is critical because water challenges cannot be solved by governments alone. They require the active involvement of the private sector, which brings innovation, investment, and efficiency; civil society, which advocates for the needs of communities and marginalized groups; academia, which generates knowledge and evidence; and international organizations, which facilitate coordination and resource mobilization. By convening these diverse actors, the World Water Forum creates a space for collaboration, partnership-building, and collective problem-solving. The preparatory meeting in Riyadh is the first step in this process for the 11th edition, laying the groundwork for a forum that will be inclusive, action-oriented, and impactful.

Saudi Arabia’s own experience offers valuable lessons for the global community. The Kingdom has invested heavily in desalination infrastructure, research and development, and water conservation measures, transforming its water sector into one of the most advanced in the world. It has also prioritized international cooperation, funding water projects in developing countries and sharing its expertise through training programs and technical assistance. By hosting the 11th World Water Forum, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance international cooperation, promote innovative financing solutions, and boost global capacity to address water-related challenges—objectives that align closely with the forum’s mission and the broader goals of sustainable development.

International and Regional Impact

How will Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 11th World Water Forum shape regional and global dynamics? The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the most water-scarce areas in the world, making the forum’s location particularly significant. By bringing the global water community to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is shining a spotlight on the region’s challenges and solutions, fostering South-South cooperation, and encouraging knowledge exchange between countries facing similar water constraints. The forum also provides an opportunity for regional countries to showcase their own innovations and initiatives, creating a ripple effect that could accelerate progress across the MENA region.

On the global stage, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in water governance reinforces its role as a responsible international actor and a bridge-builder between developed and developing nations. The Kingdom’s ability to convene diverse stakeholders and facilitate dialogue on a critical global issue enhances its soft power and diplomatic standing. Furthermore, the forum’s outcomes—ranging from policy recommendations to partnership agreements—can influence global water policies, investment flows, and technological cooperation for years to come. By hosting the preparatory meeting and the main forum, Saudi Arabia is not only contributing to the global water agenda but also positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of water security, a cornerstone of sustainable development and human well-being.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic opportunities does the World Water Forum present for Saudi Arabia and its partners? The water sector is a major economic driver, encompassing desalination, water treatment, distribution, irrigation, and related technologies and services. The global water market is valued at hundreds of billions of dollars and is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades as demand for water increases and aging infrastructure requires replacement. By hosting the 11th World Water Forum, Saudi Arabia will attract global attention to its own water industry, showcasing the capabilities of Saudi companies and creating opportunities for investment, trade, and partnerships.

The forum also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategic priorities under Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive plan to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil, and build a sustainable future. Water security is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, as it underpins economic development, public health, and quality of life. The Kingdom has launched numerous initiatives to enhance water sustainability, including the National Water Strategy 2030, which aims to ensure the efficient management of water resources, increase the use of treated water, and reduce per capita consumption. Hosting the World Water Forum provides a platform to showcase these initiatives, attract international expertise, and strengthen partnerships that can support the Kingdom’s water goals.

Moreover, the forum can stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the water sector, attracting startups, researchers, and investors who are developing cutting-edge solutions for water challenges. Saudi Arabia has already demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation through initiatives such as the Saudi Water Partnership Company and the National Water Company, which are driving efficiency and sustainability in the sector. The forum will further catalyze these efforts by connecting Saudi innovators with global counterparts, facilitating technology transfer, and creating a vibrant ecosystem for water-related research and development.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the 11th World Water Forum connect to Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision for the future? Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, is a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Saudi Arabia into a diversified, innovative, and globally engaged economy. Water security is integral to this vision, as it supports key sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, and health, and contributes to the well-being of citizens and residents. The Kingdom’s leadership in water desalination, its investments in water infrastructure, and its commitment to international cooperation are all manifestations of Vision 2030’s emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and global partnership.

By hosting the 11th World Water Forum, Saudi Arabia is advancing several Vision 2030 objectives simultaneously. It is enhancing its international standing and soft power, attracting global attention and investment, promoting innovation and technology transfer, and contributing to the global public good of water security. The forum also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to position itself as a hub for international events, conferences, and exhibitions, which stimulate economic activity and showcase Saudi Arabia’s modernization and openness. As the Kingdom prepares to welcome the world to Riyadh in 2027, the preparatory meeting on April 14-15, 2025, marks the beginning of a journey that will culminate in a landmark event, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in water and sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 11th World Water Forum?

A1. The 11th World Water Forum is the largest global gathering in the water sector, organized by the World Water Council. It will be held in Saudi Arabia in March 2027, bringing together governments, organizations, experts, and stakeholders to address global water challenges.

Q2. When and where is the preparatory meeting taking place?

A2. The first preparatory meeting for the 11th World Water Forum is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on April 14 and 15, 2025. It is organized in collaboration with the World Water Council and involves broad participation from public and private sectors.

Q3. Who is organizing the 11th World Water Forum?

A3. The forum is organized by the World Water Council, an international multi-stakeholder platform, in collaboration with the host country, Saudi Arabia. The preparatory meeting in Riyadh is a joint effort between Saudi authorities and the World Water Council.

Q4. What is the World Water Council?

A4. The World Water Council is an international organization established in 1996 to promote awareness, build political commitment, and trigger action on critical water issues. It organizes the World Water Forum every three years and advocates for sustainable water management globally.

Q5. Why is Saudi Arabia hosting the 11th World Water Forum?

A5. Saudi Arabia is hosting the forum to enhance international cooperation, promote innovative financing solutions, and boost global capacity to address water-related challenges. The Kingdom is a global leader in desalination and water resource development.

Q6. What are Saudi Arabia’s credentials in the water sector?

A6. Saudi Arabia has the world’s largest desalination capacity and the lowest energy consumption in desalination. It also plays a significant role in funding water-resource development projects worldwide, demonstrating its commitment to global water security.

Q7. What will happen at the preparatory meeting in Riyadh?

A7. The meeting will include an opening session, a stakeholders’ meeting, and planning activities to determine key global discussion topics and priorities for the 2027 forum. Several sessions and workshops with local and international speakers will be held.

Q8. Who will participate in the preparatory meeting?

A8. Participants include representatives from the public and private sectors, international and local organizations, and a distinguished group of experts, officials, and stakeholders in global and local water-related issues, ensuring diverse perspectives and broad engagement.

Q9. What are the main objectives of the 11th World Water Forum?

A9. The forum aims to enhance international cooperation, promote innovative financing solutions, boost global capacity to address water challenges, share knowledge, foster cooperation among stakeholders, and showcase best practices for sustainable water resource management.

Q10. How does the forum address global water challenges?

A10. The forum provides a platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and knowledge exchange. It brings together diverse stakeholders to develop solutions for water scarcity, climate adaptation, transboundary cooperation, and sustainable management, influencing global policies and practices.

Q11. What is the significance of hosting the forum in the Middle East?

A11. Hosting the forum in the Middle East, a water-scarce region, highlights regional challenges and solutions. It fosters South-South cooperation, encourages knowledge exchange, and showcases innovations from countries facing similar water constraints, accelerating progress across the region.

Q12. How does the forum align with Vision 2030?

A12. The forum aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting sustainability, innovation, and global partnership. Water security is integral to Vision 2030, supporting economic diversification, public health, and quality of life, while enhancing Saudi Arabia’s international standing and soft power.

Q13. What economic benefits can Saudi Arabia gain from hosting the forum?

A13. Hosting the forum attracts global attention to Saudi Arabia’s water industry, creating opportunities for investment, trade, and partnerships. It stimulates innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer, supporting the growth of the water sector and economic diversification.

Q14. What is Saudi Arabia’s National Water Strategy 2030?

A14. The National Water Strategy 2030 aims to ensure efficient management of water resources, increase the use of treated water, and reduce per capita consumption. It is a key initiative under Vision 2030 to achieve water sustainability and security.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia support global water projects?

A15. Saudi Arabia funds water-resource development projects worldwide through various channels, including the Saudi Fund for Development. It shares expertise, provides technical assistance, and supports nations in need, contributing to global water security and sustainable development.

Q16. What topics will be discussed at the 2027 forum?

A16. Topics may include water scarcity, drought resilience, climate change adaptation, transboundary water cooperation, innovative financing, desalination and water reuse technologies, and the role of water in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Q17. How can the private sector contribute to the forum’s goals?

A17. The private sector brings innovation, investment, and efficiency to the water sector. By participating in the forum, companies can showcase technologies, form partnerships, and contribute to solutions for water challenges, driving progress and sustainability.

Q18. What role do international organizations play in the forum?

A18. International organizations facilitate coordination, resource mobilization, and knowledge sharing. They help ensure the forum’s outcomes are inclusive, action-oriented, and aligned with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6.

Q19. How will the preparatory meeting shape the 2027 forum?

A19. The preparatory meeting will determine key discussion topics and priorities, set the agenda, and establish the organizational framework. Its outcomes will inform subsequent planning and ensure the 2027 forum is impactful, inclusive, and action-oriented.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of the 11th World Water Forum?

A20. The forum is expected to produce policy recommendations, partnership agreements, and commitments to action that advance global water security. It will strengthen cooperation, promote innovation, and contribute to sustainable water management worldwide, benefiting millions of people.

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