Saudi Arabia Showcases Riyadh 2027 Water Forum at COP17

At the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the pivotal role of the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled for March 2027 in Riyadh. The forum is positioned as a decisive global milestone to accelerate international action, converting knowledge, commitments, and partnerships into concrete, measurable outcomes. This announcement was made during a roundtable discussion organized by the Ministry’s Water Agency, bringing together experts and specialists in the water sector.

Context and Background

The roundtable at COP17 served as a platform to address pressing global challenges related to water and land resources. Participants discussed the worsening state of global water resources, exacerbated by land degradation, recurring droughts, and increasing water stress. These challenges underscore the urgent need for enhanced collective efforts and a shift from merely setting priorities to developing practical commitments and sustainable solutions. The session aimed to consolidate international cooperation initiated at COP17 among various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of moving from dialogue to action.

Key Details

The 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh is designed to go beyond traditional conference formats by focusing on tangible impact. Speakers stressed that the forum must be an operational lever capable of generating lasting, measurable results. The discussions highlighted the need to integrate thematic, regional, and political tracks to transition from global priorities to concrete commitments. A key focus is on the “value of water” concept, translating this global idea into targeted actions that will guide the work of coordination groups leading up to the Riyadh event. The forum is the result of an ongoing consultative process initiated at a launch meeting in Riyadh in April 2025, followed by a second stakeholders’ advisory meeting during the Saudi Water Week in Jeddah in June 2026.

Implications and Impact

The promotion of the Riyadh 2027 forum aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing global water challenges and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to water and sanitation. By engaging decision-makers, parliamentarians, international organizations, scientists, and civil society representatives, the forum aims to foster innovative solutions adapted to the specific needs of communities worldwide. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting this major international event underscores its growing role in shaping global environmental policy and its dedication to sustainable development, enhancing its reputation as a responsible global actor.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The 11th World Water Forum is integral to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By positioning itself as a hub for international dialogue and innovation, the Kingdom is strengthening its role as a global leader in addressing water scarcity and promoting adaptive strategies. The forum’s outcomes are expected to contribute to the efficient use of water resources, a key pillar of Vision 2030, and to foster international partnerships that support the Kingdom’s diversification efforts. As the forum approaches, Saudi Arabia’s proactive engagement in global water governance exemplifies its commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future, both domestically and internationally.

20 Questions

Q1. What was highlighted by the Saudi Ministry at COP17?

A1. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the significant role of the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled for March 2027 in Riyadh, as a global catalyst for turning commitments into concrete actions.

Q2. When and where will the 11th World Water Forum take place?

A2. The 11th World Water Forum is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027, as announced during the COP17 session.

Q3. What was the purpose of the roundtable organized by Saudi Arabia at COP17?

A3. The roundtable aimed to discuss global water and land challenges and to consolidate international cooperation among stakeholders, emphasizing the need for practical commitments and sustainable solutions.

Q4. Why is the Riyadh 2027 forum considered different from traditional conferences?

A4. The forum is designed to focus on tangible impact, bridging science with local policies and promoting innovative solutions, rather than merely serving as a platform for dialogue.

Q5. What is the “value of water” concept?

A5. The “value of water” concept aims to translate the global importance of water into targeted actions, guiding the work of coordination groups in preparing for the forum and ensuring water is prioritized in policy-making.

Q6. How is the forum linked to Sustainable Development Goal 6?

A6. SDG 6 calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The forum contributes to this goal by fostering international cooperation and innovative solutions for water management and conservation.

Q7. What process led to the Riyadh 2027 forum?

A7. The forum emerged from a consultative process including a launch meeting in Riyadh in April 2025 and a second stakeholders’ meeting during Saudi Water Week in Jeddah in June 2026.

Q8. What challenges were highlighted regarding global water resources?

A8. Challenges include land degradation, recurring droughts, and increasing water stress, which exacerbate pressures on water resources worldwide.

Q9. Who are the key participants expected at the Riyadh 2027 forum?

A9. Decision-makers, parliamentarians, international organizations, scientists, and civil society representatives are expected to participate, ensuring a multifaceted approach to water issues.

Q10. How does Saudi Arabia intend to support international cooperation through the forum?

A10. By hosting the forum, Saudi Arabia encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, aiming to build consensus and generate commitments that lead to measurable improvements in water management globally.

Q11. What was the role of the Saudi pavilion at COP17?

A11. The Saudi pavilion at COP17 was used to inform visitors about the Riyadh forum, encouraging international participation and gathering input from diverse stakeholders to shape the event’s agenda.

Q12. How does the forum align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A12. The forum aligns with Vision 2030’s environmental and economic goals, as it promotes sustainable water management, international collaboration, and innovation, which are key pillars of the Kingdom’s long-term development strategy.

Q13. What does “turning knowledge into measurable action” mean in this context?

A13. It means that the forum intends to move beyond theoretical discussions, ensuring that research and commitments result in specific, trackable improvements in water security and access for communities.

Q14. How are thematic, regional, and political tracks being integrated in the forum?

A14. These tracks are being integrated to ensure that global priorities are translated into concrete actions at different levels, addressing the varied needs of regions and political contexts.

Q15. What is the significance of the “operational lever” described by speakers?

A15. The “operational lever” signifies that the forum will have mechanisms to implement solutions and measure outcomes, distinguishing it from talks that do not lead to real-world benefits.

Q16. What is the role of the Ministry’s Water Agency in the forum’s organization?

A16. The agency is actively involved in organizing roundtables, coordinating with experts, and shaping the forum’s agenda to ensure it addresses critical water issues and fosters international cooperation.

Q17. How will the forum support conservation and efficiency?

A17. The forum will promote innovative technologies and policies for water conservation, reuse, and efficiency, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable water use and the goals of Vision 2030.

Q18. What outcomes are expected from the forum?

A18. Expected outcomes include strengthened international commitments, adoption of actionable strategies, and collaborative initiatives that improve global water security and resilience.

Q19. How does the forum build on previous international water events?

A19. The forum builds on prior conferences by focusing on implementation, ensuring that lessons learned are translated into policies and projects that address evolving water challenges.

Q20. Will the forum engage with non-state actors?

A20. Yes, the forum will actively engage with non-state actors, including NGOs, community groups, and the private sector, recognizing their vital role in achieving water sustainability.

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