His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, opened the One Water Summit in Riyadh on December 3, 2024, under the joint chairmanship of President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, alongside World Bank President Ajay Banga. The summit convened international leaders, heads of international organizations, financial institutions, and private sector representatives to address critical challenges in the global water sector, marking a significant milestone in collaborative efforts to combat water scarcity and drought.
Context and Background
The One Water Summit was held in coordination with the Kingdom’s hosting of the 16th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), underscoring the interconnectedness of land degradation, drought, and water availability. The summit reflects growing global recognition that water challenges, intensified by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, require urgent and collective action. Saudi Arabia’s leadership on this issue builds upon its 2020 G20 presidency, during which it placed water issues on the international agenda for the first time.
Key Details
During the opening session, HRH the Crown Prince delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to ensure the sustainability of water resources. He announced that the Kingdom has committed over $6 billion to support more than 200 development projects in the water sector across over 60 developing countries. The Crown Prince also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s upcoming role as host of the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, in partnership with the World Water Council, and revealed the establishment of a global water organization based in Riyadh to unify international efforts, foster comprehensive solutions, and promote the exchange of expertise and innovative technologies.
Implications and Impact
The summit serves as a platform to identify actionable solutions for water sector financing and governance ahead of the United Nations Water Conference in 2026. By bringing together governments, international organizations, and the private sector, the One Water Summit aims to catalyze investment in water infrastructure, technology transfer, and policy frameworks. The initiative positions Saudi Arabia as a central hub for global water dialogue and cooperation, strengthening its diplomatic influence and aligning with the Kingdom’s broader environmental and sustainability goals.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The One Water Summit and the establishment of the global water organization in Riyadh directly support Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing the quality of life, ensuring environmental sustainability, and expanding the Kingdom’s role in international development. By leveraging its economic strength and strategic location, Saudi Arabia continues to lead global efforts in addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, demonstrating its long-term commitment to innovation, cooperation, and a sustainable future for all.
20 Questions
Q1. Who opened the One Water Summit?
A1. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, opened the summit in Riyadh on December 3, 2024.
Q2. Which leaders jointly chaired the One Water Summit?
A2. The summit was chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
Q3. What was the main purpose of the One Water Summit?
A3. The summit aimed to convene countries, organizations, and the private sector to identify solutions for water sector challenges and financing within environmental contexts.
Q4. How does the One Water Summit relate to UNCCD COP16?
A4. The summit was held alongside Saudi Arabia’s hosting of UNCCD COP16, which focuses on reducing land degradation and drought, as lands are a significant source of fresh water.
Q5. What did HRH the Crown Prince emphasize in his opening speech?
A5. He emphasized the urgency of addressing water scarcity and drought through collective efforts, and called for joining the new global water organization based in Riyadh.
Q6. How much has Saudi Arabia invested in global water projects?
A6. Saudi Arabia has committed over $6 billion to support more than 200 development projects in the water sector across over 60 developing countries.
Q7. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia’s 2020 G20 presidency for water issues?
A7. During its G20 presidency, Saudi Arabia included water issues in the G20 work plan for the first time, elevating global attention to water challenges.
Q8. When will Saudi Arabia host the 11th World Water Forum?
A8. Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027 in partnership with the World Water Council.
Q9. What is the new global water organization announced at the summit?
A9. The organization, based in Riyadh, aims to unify and enhance international efforts to address water challenges through comprehensive solutions and technology exchange.
Q10. How does the summit contribute to the UN Water Conference 2026?
A10. The summit aims to serve as an incubator for actionable solutions to water challenges in preparation for the United Nations Water Conference in 2026.
Q11. What are the main drivers of the global water crisis mentioned?
A11. The crisis is driven by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which are increasing threats to usable water availability.
Q12. Who participated in the One Water Summit?
A12. Participants included countries, international organizations, financial institutions, and private sector representatives from around the world.
Q13. What did HRH the Crown Prince say about land degradation?
A13. He noted that lands are a significant source of fresh water, making efforts to reduce land degradation crucial for water sustainability.
Q14. Why is the summit considered a milestone for Saudi Arabia?
A14. It positions the Kingdom as a global leader in water diplomacy and aligns with its Vision 2030 goals for sustainability and international cooperation.
Q15. What role does the World Bank play in the summit?
A15. World Bank President Ajay Banga co-chaired the summit, highlighting the involvement of financial institutions in water sector solutions.
Q16. How many development projects has Saudi Arabia supported in water?
A16. Saudi Arabia has supported over 200 development projects in the water sector across more than 60 developing countries.
Q17. What is the long-term vision of the global water organization?
A17. The organization seeks to harmonize international efforts, foster comprehensive solutions, and promote innovative technologies to tackle water challenges globally.
Q18. What message did HRH the Crown Prince convey to international community?
A18. He called upon UN member states, international organizations, and the private sector to join the new water organization to achieve collective aspirations.
Q19. How does the summit address water financing?
A19. The summit focused on identifying solutions for water sector financing within environmental contexts, engaging financial institutions and the private sector.
Q20. What does the summit’s success mean for water sustainability?
A20. The summit’s collaborative outcomes are expected to accelerate global action toward sustainable water resource management and resilience against drought.
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