Saudi Arabia Showcases Water Security Expertise at COP17

Saudi Arabia’s water sector is showcasing its integrated experience in water management and achieving water security at the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Mongolia from 17 to 28 August 2026. The delegation, representing the Saudi Water Authority, the Saudi Water Partnerships Company, and the National Water Company, highlights the Kingdom’s role as an international actor committed to transferring its expertise in addressing water security challenges, land degradation, and drought to regional and global partners.

Context and Background

The participation comes under the conference’s theme “Restore Land, Restore Hope,” which focuses on restoring degraded lands, scaling up drought resilience, and fostering positive linkages between water, ecosystems, and food systems. Saudi Arabia’s experience demonstrates that water security in arid regions is not solely dependent on natural resource abundance but is built on proactive planning, institutional governance, diversified supply sources, enhanced efficiency, wastewater reuse, private sector partnerships, and national capacity building. These elements have enabled the Kingdom to achieve significant milestones in water management, positioning it as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.

Key Details

Saudi Arabia’s water infrastructure achievements are substantial. The country’s total water production capacity exceeds 16 million cubic meters per day, with transmission networks extending over 18,500 kilometers and storage capacities surpassing 30 million cubic meters. Furthermore, the percentage of treated wastewater reused for agricultural, industrial, and urban purposes has reached 33%, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable resource management. During COP17, the delegation is enriching a dialogue session titled “Sustainable Water Management in Arid Regions: The Role of Water Sector Governance in Saudi Arabia in Achieving Water Security,” as well as workshops on ESG practices and human capacity building, underscoring the comprehensive approach to water governance.

Implications and Impact

This participation builds on the legacy of COP16, hosted by Riyadh, which catalyzed historic momentum on land degradation and drought issues. At COP16, the private sector contributed $12 billion through the “Business for Land” initiative, and the Kingdom continued international engagement over two years by participating in over 50 global events and launching the “Riyadh Action Agenda,” which expanded from 35 to more than 100 initiatives, including the Global Drought Resilience Partnership and the International Initiative for Early Warning of Dust and Sand Storms. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing role at COP17 reinforces its commitment to supporting global efforts in land restoration and drought mitigation, while sharing its expertise to build sustainable partnerships and enhance global water security.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This participation directly aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and quality of life. By investing in advanced water infrastructure, promoting public-private partnerships, and building national capacities, the Kingdom is not only securing its own water future but also contributing to global stability and cooperation. As Saudi Arabia continues to lead in international forums, it reaffirms its position as a pivotal actor in addressing global environmental challenges, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development for present and future generations.

20 Questions

Q1. What is COP17?

A1. COP17 is the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Mongolia from 17 to 28 August 2026, focusing on land restoration and drought resilience.

Q2. Who represents Saudi Arabia’s water sector at COP17?

A2. The delegation includes representatives from the Saudi Water Authority, the Saudi Water Partnerships Company, and the National Water Company, showcasing the integrated roles of the water system.

Q3. What is the theme of COP17?

A3. The theme is “Restore Land, Restore Hope,” emphasizing the importance of restoring degraded lands, combating drought, and strengthening positive linkages between water, ecosystems, and food systems.

Q4. What are some key achievements of Saudi Arabia’s water sector?

A4. Saudi Arabia has a production capacity exceeding 16 million cubic meters per day, transmission networks of over 18,500 kilometers, storage capacity above 30 million cubic meters, and 33% wastewater reuse.

Q5. How does Saudi Arabia ensure water security in arid regions?

A5. Through proactive planning, institutional governance, diversified supply sources, enhanced efficiency, wastewater reuse, private sector partnerships, and national capacity building.

Q6. What was the outcome of COP16 in Riyadh?

A6. COP16 led to a historic transformation, with the private sector contributing $12 billion via the “Business for Land” initiative and the launch of over 100 initiatives under the Riyadh Action Agenda.

Q7. What is the Riyadh Action Agenda?

A7. It is an agenda launched by Saudi Arabia that expanded from 35 to more than 100 initiatives, including the Global Drought Resilience Partnership and early warning systems for dust and sand storms.

Q8. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia’s participation at COP17?

A8. It highlights the Kingdom’s role as an international actor sharing expertise in water management and drought mitigation, while building sustainable partnerships and enhancing global water security.

Q9. What dialogue session is Saudi Arabia enriching at COP17?

A9. The session titled “Sustainable Water Management in Arid Regions: The Role of Water Sector Governance in Saudi Arabia in Achieving Water Security” is being enriched by Saudi representatives.

Q10. What workshops is Saudi Arabia participating in at COP17?

A10. Workshops on ESG practices in the water sector and on human capacity building beyond infrastructure, emphasizing sustainable growth.

Q11. How does the private sector contribute to water initiatives in Saudi Arabia?

A11. Through partnerships and investments, such as the $12 billion contribution at COP16, demonstrating the role of public-private collaboration in advancing water security.

Q12. What is the role of the Saudi Water Authority?

A12. It is one of the key entities in the water system, involved in regulation, planning, and overseeing water production and distribution to ensure sustainable water management.

Q13. What is the Saudi Water Partnerships Company?

A13. It is responsible for structuring and managing public-private partnerships in the water sector, facilitating investment and private sector involvement in major water projects.

Q14. What is the National Water Company’s role?

A14. It focuses on the operational aspects of water services, including distribution, wastewater treatment, and customer service, ensuring efficient delivery across urban areas.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia’s water experience benefit other nations?

A15. By sharing knowledge and best practices, Saudi Arabia helps other arid countries adopt proven strategies for water security, governance, and sustainable resource management.

Q16. What is the significance of wastewater reuse in Saudi Arabia?

A16. With a 33% reuse rate, it reduces pressure on freshwater resources, supports agriculture and industry, and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Q17. How does Vision 2030 support water management?

A17. Vision 2030 prioritizes environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and quality of life, providing a framework for investments in water infrastructure and human capital.

Q18. What is the global importance of Saudi Arabia’s participation at COP17?

A18. It reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in addressing land degradation and drought, while fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange to combat global environmental challenges.

Q19. How many international events has Saudi Arabia participated in since COP16?

A19. The Kingdom has participated in more than 50 international events over two years, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to global environmental issues.

Q20. What are the future prospects for Saudi Arabia’s water sector?

A20. Continued investment in advanced technologies, capacity building, and partnerships will further enhance water security, supporting sustainable development and regional stability.

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