RIYADH: Inadequate freshwater and sanitation services are hindering human capital development, warned the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning at the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting.
Faisal Al-Ibrahim made the comments during the “Ensuring Access to Water and Sanitation” session on the sidelines of the event, which is being held from July 22 to 24 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Water inaccessibility places significant constraints on agriculture, impacting global food security and leading to increased human conflict due to scarcity in resources,” Al-Ibrahim said.
Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing global water issues and advancing sustainable solutions. In September 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the establishment of the Riyadh-based Global Water Organization to bolster efforts in tackling water challenges.
Al-Ibrahim said the freshwater shortage is not merely a policy concern, adding: “It is a basic human right that reflects the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals. Our current efforts to address water accessibility are impeded by fragmented and isolated initiatives.”
The minister noted that the implementation of best practices varies significantly across countries, partnerships to foster innovation through research and development are limited, and more funding is needed to support the necessary project pipeline.
Highlighting the Saudi initiative to establish the Global Water Organization, Al-Ibrahim said the body will serve as the much-needed platform for international collaboration, leveraging the country’s collective strengths to better support one another.
“It will facilitate knowledge exchange and technical assistance so that best practices are not confined to specific regions but can promptly be disseminated to those who need it most,” he said.
The minister concluded: “Collectively, we need to elevate water issues within the G20 framework, continue the annual Water Dialogue started by the Saudi Presidency in 2020, and leverage the GWO as a platform to put us on track to ensure universal access to water and sanitation.”
On the first day of the ministerial meeting, Al-Ibrahim met with high-level officials from G20 countries and international organizations. He also participated in the session of the Development Working Group, which is the primary coordinator for all G20 actions aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The minister also held talks with Mathias Cormann, secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The two sides discussed the latest global and regional economic developments and ways to further enhance collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the international organization. This association works closely with policymakers, stakeholders, and citizens to establish evidence-based international standards and find solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges.
He also met with Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, a minister in Singapore’s prime minister’s office and second minister for both education and foreign affairs. They discussed strengthening bilateral relations and explored potential areas of collaboration between the two countries in industry, education, investment, and finance.
On July 23, Al-Ibrahim held talks with Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s minister of foreign affairs. The discussion covered the Brazilian G20 presidency and its agenda, as well as opportunities to enhance collaboration between the Kingdom and Brazil in sectors such as infrastructure, agribusiness, renewable energy, and other areas of mutual interest.
