Saudi Ministry Champions World Water Forum at COP17

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia has underscored the pivotal role of the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled for Riyadh in March 2027, as a global platform to transform knowledge, commitments, and partnerships into tangible, measurable solutions. The announcement came during the ministry’s active participation in the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Context and Background

During a panel discussion led by the ministry’s Water Agency, water-sector specialists and experts addressed critical global challenges linking water and land. The session emphasized the need to build on the international cooperation reaffirmed at COP17 and to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in water sustainability. The discussions highlighted that the World Water Forum should serve not merely as a dialogue platform but as a catalyst for concrete action, delivering outcomes that extend beyond its duration.

The ministry’s participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global water security. By promoting the forum at COP17, the Kingdom aims to broaden international engagement and ensure that the forum’s outcomes are practical, inclusive, and aligned with the diverse needs of communities worldwide.

Key Details

The 11th World Water Forum is the culmination of an extensive consultative process. It began with the first Stakeholders Consultation Meeting hosted by Riyadh in April 2025, which attracted a wide array of participants. The second consultation, held during Saudi Water Week in Jeddah in June 2026, further refined the forum’s themes and expected outcomes. These preparatory steps demonstrate the Kingdom’s meticulous approach to crafting a forum that prioritizes measurable impact over mere declarations.

At COP17, the ministry engaged with pavilion visitors through informational materials and direct interactions, encouraging international entities to participate. This proactive outreach aims to enrich the forum’s results and enhance its global impact, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6—ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Implications and Impact

The World Water Forum in Riyadh represents a strategic opportunity to integrate science, policy, and local practices. By linking policies with on-the-ground solutions, the forum can address pressing water and land challenges in arid regions and beyond. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting this event reinforces its role as a global hub for sustainability dialogue and innovation. The forum is expected to foster new partnerships, drive investment in water infrastructure, and accelerate progress toward water-related development goals across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Moreover, the forum’s emphasis on actionable outcomes sets a precedent for future international conferences, shifting the paradigm from talk to implementation. This approach aligns with the UNCCD’s objectives and strengthens the global framework for combating desertification and land degradation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Hosting the 11th World Water Forum is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and international collaboration. The forum directly supports the Kingdom’s National Water Strategy and its commitment to achieving sustainable development goals. By convening global stakeholders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its dedication to fostering innovative solutions and building a water-secure future. This event exemplifies how Vision 2030 translates into concrete global action, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in environmental stewardship and diplomatic engagement.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 11th World Water Forum?

A1. The 11th World Water Forum is a major international conference dedicated to water issues, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027. It aims to translate commitments into actionable and measurable solutions, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders from around the world.

Q2. When and where will the 11th World Water Forum be held?

A2. The forum is set to convene in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in March 2027. This timing follows extensive preparatory consultations held in 2025 and 2026, ensuring a well-structured and impactful event.

Q3. Which Saudi ministry is promoting the forum?

A3. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia is the lead ministry promoting the 11th World Water Forum. It has been actively engaging with international partners and stakeholders to ensure broad participation and meaningful outcomes.

Q4. What was the ministry’s role at COP17?

A4. At COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the ministry participated in a panel discussion led by its Water Agency. The session addressed global water and land challenges, emphasizing the need for practical cooperation and the role of the World Water Forum in delivering concrete results.

Q5. What is COP17?

A5. COP17 refers to the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It is a major international meeting focused on land degradation, desertification, and drought, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Q6. Why is the World Water Forum important for global water security?

A6. The World Water Forum serves as a global platform to transform knowledge, commitments, and partnerships into practical, measurable actions. It enhances international cooperation and supports efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring water and sanitation for all.

Q7. How does the forum differ from typical international conferences?

A7. Unlike conferences that often produce declarations without concrete follow-up, the World Water Forum aims to deliver tangible, measurable outcomes. It links policies with science and local practices, promoting innovative, sustainable solutions that address diverse community needs.

Q8. What preparatory steps have been taken for the forum?

A8. Two Stakeholders Consultation Meetings have been held: the first in Riyadh in April 2025 and the second during Saudi Water Week in Jeddah in June 2026. These meetings refined the forum’s themes and expected outcomes, ensuring broad stakeholder input.

Q9. Who participated in the consultation meetings?

A9. The consultation meetings saw broad participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including government representatives, international organizations, scientists, specialists, and local communities. This inclusive approach ensures the forum addresses global water challenges effectively.

Q10. How does the forum align with Sustainable Development Goal 6?

A10. SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The forum directly supports this goal by fostering partnerships and commitments that lead to practical, sustainable water solutions worldwide.

Q11. What are the key themes of the 11th World Water Forum?

A11. While specific themes were refined during the consultations, the forum focuses on translating knowledge and commitments into actionable solutions. It emphasizes linking science, policy, and local practices to address water and land challenges effectively.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from hosting the forum?

A12. Hosting the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in environmental sustainability and international diplomacy. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of resource efficiency and global collaboration, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for water innovation and partnership.

Q13. What is the ministry’s approach to promoting the forum at COP17?

A13. The ministry used informational materials and direct engagement with pavilion visitors at COP17 to promote the forum. It encouraged international entities and stakeholders to participate, aiming to enrich the forum’s outcomes and global impact.

Q14. How does the forum contribute to combating desertification?

A14. The forum addresses water and land challenges holistically, linking sustainable water management with land restoration. By promoting innovative solutions and partnerships, it supports the objectives of the UNCCD and helps combat desertification globally.

Q15. What role do scientists and specialists play in the forum?

A15. Scientists and specialists are integral to the forum, providing evidence-based insights and practical expertise. They help bridge the gap between policy and implementation, ensuring solutions are grounded in science and local realities.

Q16. How can international organizations get involved in the forum?

A16. International organizations are encouraged to participate in the forum through official channels. They can engage in panel discussions, share best practices, and contribute to shaping outcomes, as highlighted during the ministry’s outreach at COP17.

Q17. What is the expected impact of the forum beyond its duration?

A17. The forum aims to deliver results that extend beyond its duration by establishing long-term partnerships and commitments. It seeks to create lasting mechanisms for water cooperation, ensuring sustained progress toward water security.

Q18. How does the forum support local communities?

A18. The forum emphasizes solutions that address the diverse needs of communities worldwide. By integrating local practices and knowledge, it ensures that water solutions are context-specific and sustainable, benefiting communities most affected by water scarcity.

Q19. What is the significance of Riyadh as the host city?

A19. Riyadh, as the capital of Saudi Arabia, symbolizes the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The city’s modern infrastructure and strategic location make it an ideal venue for a global forum, facilitating participation from across the globe.

Q20. What does the future hold for the World Water Forum?

A20. The 11th World Water Forum is expected to set a new benchmark for international water conferences by focusing on measurable outcomes. It will likely inspire future forums and initiatives, reinforcing the importance of turning commitments into concrete actions for a water-secure world.

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