Saudi Arabia Strengthens Global Water Resource Management

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global water resource management during the Tenth Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (MOP 10), held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from October 23 to 25, 2024. Represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the Kingdom used the international platform to outline a comprehensive vision that extends beyond conventional shared water management, emphasizing expertise exchange, capacity building, and innovative financing for water-related projects.

The Saudi delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Water Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani, accompanied by experts and specialists from the ministry. In his remarks, Dr. Alshaibani highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s establishment of the Global Water Organization underscores its efforts to enhance international action to preserve water resources through sustainable cooperation and promote innovation in financing water-related projects. He also noted the Kingdom’s pivotal role in placing water on the G20 agenda, reflecting its belief in the importance of transboundary cooperation for sustainable development and regional integration. But what does this participation signal about Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in global water diplomacy?

Context and Background

The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, also known as the Water Convention, is a United Nations legal instrument that promotes sustainable management of shared water resources. Originally adopted in 1992 and entering into force in 1996, the Convention was initially designed for the pan-European region but was opened globally in 2016, allowing countries beyond Europe to join. Its Meeting of the Parties (MOP) serves as the primary decision-making body, convening every three years to review implementation, adopt decisions, and guide future work.

MOP 10 is taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia on behalf of the Slovenian government, in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Water Convention, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). More than 500 representatives from about 80 countries, including parties and non-parties to the Water Convention, are attending to work toward water security and improved water management. The meeting features a high-level session titled “Our Waters, Our Future: Transboundary Water Cooperation to Power Climate Resilience,” aimed at making decisions, reviewing the third report on the implementation of the Water Convention, and discussing cooperation aspects to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development. Why is this global gathering so critical at this moment in history?

Saudi Arabia’s participation is particularly significant given the Kingdom’s own water challenges and its growing leadership in international environmental governance. As a nation with one of the highest per capita water consumption rates globally and limited natural freshwater resources, Saudi Arabia has long invested in desalination, water recycling, and efficient irrigation. However, the Kingdom recognizes that water security cannot be achieved in isolation. Transboundary water cooperation is essential for addressing shared environmental challenges, especially as climate change intensifies water scarcity across the Middle East and beyond.

Key Details

During MOP 10, the Saudi delegation, led by Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani, engaged in discussions focused on the exchange of expertise and capacity building. Dr. Alshaibani remarked, “Saudi Arabia’s establishment of the Global Water Organization underscores its efforts to enhance international action to preserve water resources through sustainable cooperation and promote innovation in financing water-related projects.” This statement highlights the Kingdom’s proactive approach to water management, which includes not only domestic policies but also international collaboration.

The Global Water Organization, announced by Saudi Arabia in 2023, is a major initiative aimed at unifying global efforts to address water challenges. It seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing, fund water projects, and promote sustainable practices worldwide. By establishing this organization, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations, fostering cooperation that transcends political boundaries. The Kingdom’s role in placing water on the G20 agenda further demonstrates its commitment to elevating water security as a global priority. Under Saudi Arabia’s G20 Presidency in 2020, water was recognized as a critical issue for sustainable development, leading to the creation of the G20 Water Platform.

MOP 10’s high-level session, “Our Waters, Our Future,” provided a platform for countries to share best practices and innovative solutions. The session emphasized the need for transboundary water cooperation to power climate resilience. Discussions included the review of the third report on the implementation of the Water Convention, which assesses progress made by parties in managing shared water resources. The report likely highlights successes, challenges, and areas for improvement, offering a roadmap for future actions. Saudi Arabia’s contributions to these discussions underscore its commitment to learning from global partners and sharing its own experiences in water management.

The meeting also addressed aspects of cooperation in transboundary waters to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development. This includes legal and institutional frameworks, joint monitoring and assessment, and integrated water resources management. For Saudi Arabia, these discussions are directly relevant to its regional context, where shared aquifers and surface waters are vital for agriculture, industry, and domestic use. By participating actively, the Kingdom can advocate for equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary watercourses, in line with international law.

International and Regional Impact

Saudi Arabia’s active engagement in MOP 10 sends a powerful signal to the international community about its willingness to collaborate on environmental issues. The Kingdom’s participation is not merely symbolic; it reflects a strategic decision to integrate its national water policies with global frameworks. This aligns with the broader trend of Middle Eastern countries taking a more prominent role in multilateral environmental agreements. For instance, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan are also parties to the Water Convention, and their cooperation with Saudi Arabia could lead to regional initiatives that address shared water challenges.

At the regional level, Saudi Arabia’s efforts could catalyze greater cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Water scarcity is a common challenge for all GCC countries, and transboundary water management is essential for their collective security. By sharing expertise and building capacity, Saudi Arabia can help its neighbors develop more resilient water systems. Moreover, the Kingdom’s leadership in establishing the Global Water Organization could attract participation from other regions, creating a truly global platform for water cooperation. How might this reshape water diplomacy in the Middle East and beyond?

Internationally, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in MOP 10 reinforces its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The Kingdom’s efforts also contribute to SDG 13 on climate action, as water management is closely linked to climate resilience. By aligning its policies with these global goals, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its role as a responsible global citizen and a leader in sustainable development.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Water is not only an environmental issue but also an economic and strategic one. For Saudi Arabia, water security is intrinsically linked to food security, energy production, and economic diversification. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform agenda prioritizes sustainable development, and water management is a key pillar. Agriculture, which consumes the majority of Saudi Arabia’s water, must become more efficient to ensure long-term sustainability. Investments in modern irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation and greenhouse farming, are already underway. International cooperation through platforms like MOP 10 can accelerate the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions.

Furthermore, water is critical for the Kingdom’s industrial and energy sectors. Desalination plants provide most of Saudi Arabia’s drinking water, but they are energy-intensive. By collaborating on research and development, Saudi Arabia can improve the efficiency of desalination and explore renewable energy-powered desalination. The economic benefits of such innovations are substantial, as they reduce costs and environmental impact. Additionally, the Global Water Organization aims to promote innovation in financing water-related projects, which could unlock new funding sources for infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Strategically, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in water management enhances its soft power and diplomatic influence. By positioning itself as a global hub for water cooperation, the Kingdom can build stronger ties with both developed and developing nations. This is particularly important as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its alliances and play a more active role in multilateral institutions. The Kingdom’s participation in MOP 10 is a step toward establishing itself as a thought leader in environmental governance, which complements its broader foreign policy objectives.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s participation in MOP 10 and its broader water management efforts are fully aligned with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and improve quality of life. Vision 2030 emphasizes environmental sustainability, and water is a central component. The National Water Strategy 2030, launched in 2017, aims to ensure water security, improve efficiency, and promote conservation. By engaging internationally, Saudi Arabia can leverage global expertise to achieve these goals more effectively.

Moreover, Vision 2030 seeks to enhance Saudi Arabia’s global standing and foster international partnerships. The establishment of the Global Water Organization and the Kingdom’s role in placing water on the G20 agenda are concrete examples of how Saudi Arabia is translating its vision into action. As the Kingdom continues to modernize and open up to the world, its leadership in water resources management will be a key part of its legacy. In the years ahead, Saudi Arabia is poised to play an even greater role in shaping global water policies, ensuring a sustainable future for all. Isn’t it time the world recognized water as a shared responsibility that transcends borders?

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main purpose of Saudi Arabia’s participation in MOP 10?

A1. Saudi Arabia aimed to strengthen international cooperation in water resources management, share expertise, and promote innovative financing for water projects through the Global Water Organization and other initiatives.

Q2. Who led the Saudi delegation to the Tenth Meeting of the Parties in Slovenia?

A2. Deputy Minister for Water Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani led the delegation, which included experts and specialists from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

Q3. What is the Global Water Organization?

A3. The Global Water Organization is a Saudi initiative announced in 2023 to unify global efforts in addressing water challenges, facilitate knowledge sharing, and fund sustainable water projects worldwide.

Q4. How did Saudi Arabia contribute to placing water on the G20 agenda?

A4. During its 2020 G20 Presidency, Saudi Arabia prioritized water as a critical issue for sustainable development, leading to the creation of the G20 Water Platform.

Q5. What is the Water Convention?

A5. The Water Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, is a UN legal instrument promoting sustainable management of shared water resources.

Q6. Where and when did MOP 10 take place?

A6. MOP 10 took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from October 23 to 25, 2024, organized by Slovenia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning with UNECE support.

Q7. How many countries attended MOP 10?

A7. More than 500 representatives from about 80 countries, including parties and non-parties to the Water Convention, attended the meeting to work toward water security.

Q8. What was the theme of the high-level session at MOP 10?

A8. The high-level session was titled “Our Waters, Our Future: Transboundary Water Cooperation to Power Climate Resilience,” focusing on cooperation for climate resilience.

Q9. What did Dr. Alshaibani say about Saudi Arabia’s efforts?

A9. He stated that the Global Water Organization underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance international action to preserve water resources through sustainable cooperation and innovation in financing.

Q10. Why is transboundary water cooperation important for Saudi Arabia?

A10. As a water-scarce nation, Saudi Arabia recognizes that shared water resources require collaborative management to address common environmental challenges and ensure water security.

Q11. What is the third report on the implementation of the Water Convention?

A11. It is a report reviewed at MOP 10 that assesses progress made by parties in managing shared water resources, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

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

A12. Vision 2030 emphasizes environmental sustainability and international partnerships; Saudi Arabia’s water management efforts support these goals and enhance its global standing.

Q13. What economic benefits does water cooperation bring to Saudi Arabia?

A13. Cooperation can improve efficiency in agriculture, industry, and desalination, reduce costs, and unlock new funding for infrastructure, supporting economic diversification.

Q14. What is the National Water Strategy 2030?

A14. Launched in 2017, it is Saudi Arabia’s plan to ensure water security, improve efficiency, and promote conservation, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia’s role in water management enhance its soft power?

A15. By leading global water initiatives, Saudi Arabia builds stronger diplomatic ties, positions itself as a thought leader, and enhances its influence in multilateral institutions.

Q16. What are the key challenges in transboundary water management?

A16. Challenges include legal and institutional frameworks, joint monitoring, equitable utilization, and adapting to climate change impacts on shared water resources.

Q17. How can the Global Water Organization help developing countries?

A17. It can provide funding, technical expertise, and capacity building to help developing countries improve water management and achieve sustainable development goals.

Q18. What is the significance of the Water Convention going global in 2016?

A18. Opening the Convention globally allowed countries beyond Europe to join, fostering broader international cooperation on transboundary water management.

Q19. What role does UNECE play in the Water Convention?

A19. UNECE hosts the Secretariat of the Water Convention, providing administrative and technical support for meetings like MOP 10 and facilitating implementation.

Q20. What can we expect from Saudi Arabia in future water diplomacy?

A20. Saudi Arabia is expected to continue leading global water initiatives, expand the Global Water Organization, and advocate for water security on international platforms, in line with Vision 2030.

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