Saudi Arabia has once again emerged as a key player in global efforts to tackle water scarcity, marking a significant moment in its leadership on sustainable water management. On April 14, 2025, in Riyadh, the Kingdom launched the official logo for the 11th World Water Forum, set to take place in 2027—the first time the forum will be hosted in the Middle East. This marks an important milestone in the Kingdom’s growing role in international water issues and its dedication to finding collaborative solutions for pressing global water challenges.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Water Sustainability
The launch event was graced by Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, who used the platform to emphasize the country’s dedication to advancing water sustainability at both a national and international level. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the World Water Forum in 2027 highlights its central role in addressing global water challenges. The forum aims to bring together specialists, experts, and organizations from across the world to collaborate on solutions to the water crisis.
Speaking at the event, Minister Alfadley underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing global water shortages, stressing that tackling water issues requires joint efforts between governments, organizations, and the private sector. “The issue of water is a shared responsibility. Saudi Arabia is ready to lead and partner with others to ensure the sustainable management of this vital resource,” Alfadley said.
A Vision for the Future of Water in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has long been proactive in addressing its own water challenges, given the Kingdom’s arid climate and limited natural freshwater resources. The government has launched several key initiatives to ensure long-term water security, including adopting a national water strategy that covers production, storage, transportation, treatment, and reuse. These measures align with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and ensure sustainable resource management for future generations.
One key element of this strategy is the adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), a framework that seeks to balance the needs of water production with environmental and social considerations. Saudi Arabia is also focused on enhancing governance in water supply chains and has introduced a long-term supply and demand plan that extends to 2050. This plan aims to meet the growing water needs of a rapidly developing nation while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact.
Alfadley emphasized the importance of ensuring universal access to water and sanitation, calling it a central pillar of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. The Kingdom has made significant strides in improving its own water systems, but its efforts also extend beyond its borders to address regional water issues and challenges faced by neighboring countries.
International Collaboration on Water Issues
In addition to its domestic initiatives, Saudi Arabia has taken steps to foster international collaboration on water challenges. As part of its regional leadership, the Kingdom launched the Global Water Organization, which aims to foster collaboration between nations and institutions on water security. The Kingdom also established an International Water Research Center, which will focus on water economics, advanced technologies, and digital transformation.
World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon, who was present at the launch, highlighted the significance of this international collaboration. He shared that the council, in partnership with Saudi authorities, is in the process of developing a comprehensive framework for the 11th World Water Forum. This framework will outline key themes, regional perspectives, and political considerations that will shape the discussions and goals of the forum.
“We are building a platform where ideas will flow freely and solutions will emerge from global collaboration,” Fauchon remarked. He noted that the council and Saudi Arabia are working closely to ensure the forum is inclusive and impactful, addressing the critical water issues that are affecting countries worldwide.
The Road Ahead for Global Water Cooperation
The 2027 World Water Forum promises to be a critical event in the global conversation about water security. With the participation of international experts and policymakers, the forum will focus on finding solutions to ensure equitable access to water for all, improve water quality, and strengthen water management practices across regions.
Saudi Arabia’s role in the forum reflects its broader commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in tackling the world’s most urgent water challenges. As global water crises intensify, the Kingdom’s leadership will be crucial in driving forward initiatives that aim to secure the sustainable management of this vital resource for future generations.
