In a powerful display of diplomacy and cooperation, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, took center stage at the 20th Regional Nile Day celebrations in Juba, South Sudan, highlighting a renewed push for inclusive water governance and shared stewardship of the Nile River. The annual event, marking more than a quarter century of Nile Basin Initiative collaboration, brought together leaders and communities from across East and Central Africa to address the future of the river that sustains more than 250 million people.
A Gathering for the River That Binds Nations
This year’s Nile Day theme, “Voices of the Nile: Engaging Communities, Youth, and Women in Water Governance,” set the tone for discussions that went beyond high‑level negotiations to embrace grassroots participation and equitable leadership. Sewilam emphasized that empowering women and youth is not just a moral imperative, but essential for sustainable water management and resilient communities.
“Women play a pivotal role in managing water use and supporting rural livelihoods,” Sewilam said, underscoring that their presence in decision‑making structures remains disproportionately low compared to their contributions at the household and community levels.
His remarks echoed through the celebration as delegates representing all ten Nile Basin Initiative member states acknowledged that long‑term sustainability hinges on inclusive governance. Officials highlighted that listening to those who rely on the Nile daily is vital to building trust and cooperation in the basin.
Egypt’s Position on Nile Cooperation
Egypt’s participation in the celebrations came amid broader regional efforts to balance cooperation and competing interests among Nile Basin countries. While many member states have endorsed the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) aimed at equitable water sharing, Egypt and Sudan have opted not to join, citing concerns over historical water rights and the need for consensus‑based policy.
At the event, South Sudanese officials reiterated calls for Egypt and Sudan to consider joining the CFA, arguing that a unified approach to shared water use could strengthen regional development. Still, Sewilam reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working within the Nile Basin Initiative, describing it as the most inclusive mechanism that brings together all ten basin countries.
“Egypt remains dedicated to cooperation that respects the rights of all Nile Basin countries,” Sewilam said, urging partners to proceed through dialogue, not unilateral measures. His stance aligns with Egypt’s long‑standing water diplomacy, which stresses equitable and reasonable use while avoiding actions that could harm other states in the basin.
From Ministers to Communities: A Shared Vision
The celebrations in Juba were more than a diplomatic gathering. They shone a spotlight on communities along the Nile, where dependence on the river is woven into daily life. Farmers, fishermen, women’s cooperatives and youth advocates shared stories about how water governance impacts food security, education, health and economic opportunity.
By inviting voices from different walks of life, Nile Day moved beyond technical discussions to confront real human challenges. Representatives from civil society, academia and local organizations underscored that effective water management must integrate diverse perspectives and lived experiences if it is to be truly sustainable.
The event also included pledges to strengthen climate‑resilient water strategies across the basin, recognizing that climate change is tightening pressure on water resources and making cooperation more urgent. Nations called for enhanced monitoring, data sharing, and collaborative planning to help communities adapt to unpredictable weather patterns and safeguard agricultural livelihoods.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite progress, water diplomacy in the Nile Basin remains fraught with political and historical complexity. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) continues to be a focal point of regional debate, with Egypt urging the Ethiopian authorities to ensure that the dam’s operation does not harm downstream water security. Although not directly addressed in Juba, the broader context of Nile negotiations underscores the delicate balance between national interests and shared resources.
Beyond GERD, structural challenges persist. Some countries are still finalizing their legal frameworks for water cooperation, while others seek more robust institutional support and equitable representation. Civil society groups at the event called for expanded engagement, especially for women and youth, whose roles in water use and community resilience remain underappreciated despite their critical contributions.
Egypt’s role at the celebrations was also a reminder of the Nile Basin Initiative’s core mission: to promote sustainable development through joint water resource management and collaboration across borders. Founded in 1999, the NBI has worked to bridge political divides and facilitate inclusive dialogue among its member states for nearly three decades.
A River, Shared by Many, Sustaining Millions
As the sun cast a warm glow over Juba’s banks, the Nile flowed on — a literal and symbolic lifeline for people and nations along its course. The river is more than a shared natural resource; it is a shared story of history, culture, survival and collective future. Renewed calls for inclusive governance and cooperation reflect an understanding that the basin’s prosperity relies on shared commitment rather than isolated action.
For millions of people across East and Central Africa, water from the Nile sustains crops, powers economies, and shapes livelihoods. How countries manage this precious resource will define not only diplomatic relations but also the health and well‑being of future generations.
Readers are encouraged to share their views on Nile cooperation and regional water governance. Join the conversation using the hashtag #NileDay2026 and let us know what equitable water governance means to you.
