Saudi Arabia Presents Riyadh World Water Forum 2027 at COP17

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture presented the anticipated role of the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled for March 2027 in Riyadh, during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 18, 2026. The forum is positioned as a global platform to transform knowledge, commitments, and partnerships in the water sector into actionable, measurable solutions and initiatives.

Context and Background

At COP17, the ministry’s Water Authority hosted a dedicated symposium attended by water experts and professionals. Discussions centered on global water and land challenges exacerbated by land degradation, intensifying droughts, and mounting water stress. Participants underscored the necessity of strengthening international cooperation and crafting long-term sustainable strategies to address these pressing issues.

The ministry’s engagement at COP17 reflects Saudi Arabia’s proactive diplomatic approach to global water governance. By introducing the Riyadh forum at this international stage, the Kingdom aims to broaden its reach and attract diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, international organizations, scientists, experts, and local communities.

Key Details

During the symposium, attendees emphasized that the 2027 Riyadh World Water Forum should not be limited to dialogue and exchange of views. Instead, it should integrate the forum’s thematic, regional, and political agendas, aligning policy with science and local practices, while supporting innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to the diverse needs of societies worldwide.

The ministry’s promotional efforts at COP17 build on a consultative process launched in Riyadh in April 2025 and further advanced during a second stakeholder consultation held in Jeddah in June 2026. Additionally, the Saudi pavilion hosted side meetings with representatives from UNESCO, the International Water Management Institute, and the World Water Council, focusing on the role of international forums in developing joint solutions and fostering knowledge exchange.

Implications and Impact

The Riyadh World Water Forum is expected to serve as an efficient international platform that brings together key players to forge partnerships and implement concrete commitments. Its outcomes aim to create sustainable impacts and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By hosting this event, Saudi Arabia reinforces its leadership in addressing global water challenges and its commitment to international cooperation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Hosting the World Water Forum aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and global partnership. The forum will showcase the Kingdom’s progress in water management and its dedication to contributing to global sustainable development goals. This event underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for innovation and collaboration, driving measurable outcomes that benefit both the region and the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the 11th World Water Forum?

A1. The 11th World Water Forum is a major international event scheduled for March 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on translating water-related commitments into concrete, measurable solutions and actions.

Q2. When and where was the forum introduced at COP17?

A2. The forum was introduced at COP17, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on August 18, 2026, during a symposium organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Q3. Which Saudi ministry is leading the promotion of the forum?

A3. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, through its Water Authority, is leading the promotional efforts for the 2027 Riyadh World Water Forum.

Q4. What are the main challenges discussed at the COP17 symposium?

A4. The symposium addressed global water and land challenges, including land degradation, intensifying droughts, and rising water stress, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.

Q5. What is the forum’s primary goal?

A5. The primary goal is to serve as a global platform to turn knowledge, commitments, and partnerships in the water sector into actionable, measurable solutions.

Q6. How does the forum aim to go beyond dialogue?

A6. The forum aims to integrate thematic, regional, and political agendas, aligning policy with science and local practices, and supporting innovative sustainable solutions.

Q7. Who attended the side meetings at the Saudi pavilion?

A7. Representatives from UNESCO, the International Water Management Institute, and the World Water Council attended side meetings at the Saudi pavilion during COP17.

Q8. When was the consultative process for the forum launched?

A8. The consultative process was launched in Riyadh in April 2025 and further advanced at a stakeholder consultation in Jeddah in June 2026.

Q9. What is the significance of hosting the forum in Riyadh?

A9. Hosting in Riyadh positions Saudi Arabia as a central hub for global water cooperation, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and Vision 2030.

Q10. Which Sustainable Development Goal is directly supported by the forum?

A10. The forum supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Q11. How does the forum promote international cooperation?

A11. The forum brings together policymakers, international organizations, scientists, experts, and local communities to share knowledge and build partnerships.

Q12. What is the role of the Water Authority?

A12. The Water Authority, part of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, organized the symposium and is actively promoting the forum.

Q13. How does the forum address regional water issues?

A13. The forum integrates regional agendas and supports solutions tailored to the diverse needs of different societies, addressing specific regional water challenges.

Q14. What kind of outcomes does the forum aim to achieve?

A14. The forum aims to produce sustainable impacts by forging partnerships and implementing concrete commitments that lead to measurable results.

Q15. Who are the key stakeholders targeted for participation?

A15. Key stakeholders include decision-makers, international organizations, scientists, experts, and local communities from around the world.

Q16. What is the relationship between the forum and Vision 2030?

A16. The forum aligns with Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability goals, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global resource management.

Q17. How does the forum facilitate knowledge exchange?

A17. The forum promotes knowledge exchange through side meetings, consultations, and collaborative sessions with international water experts and institutions.

Q18. What is the timeline for the forum’s preparation?

A18. Preparations began in April 2025 with consultations in Riyadh and Jeddah, and the forum is scheduled for March 2027.

Q19. How does the forum contribute to global water security?

A19. By translating commitments into actions, the forum supports sustainable water management, helping to ensure water security for all.

Q20. What is the expected global impact of the forum?

A20. The forum is expected to drive measurable improvements in water governance and management, benefiting communities worldwide and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader.

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