Riyadh Hosts Launch of Global Water Organization
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the Global Water Organization (GWO) officially launched its operations from its headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday. The event also saw the signing of the GWO Charter by representatives from the founding member states, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to address water-related challenges.
The signing ceremony was attended by delegates from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Senegal, Pakistan, the Hellenic Republic, and Mauritania. Each representative signed the organization’s charter, solidifying their commitment to international cooperation in tackling water scarcity and resource management.
In his address, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized the importance of the organization in addressing global water challenges. “The launch of the Global Water Organization affirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening international initiatives and addressing global challenges through partnerships based on cooperation between countries and governments,” he said. The minister also conveyed the greetings and appreciation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince to the delegates.
Prince Faisal announced that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years, highlighting the Kingdom’s dedication to ensuring the organization’s success. He also invited countries worldwide, as well as private sector entities, to join the initiative.
Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley also participated in the ceremony, stressing the global responsibility to preserve water resources. “Water is not just a resource; it is a source of economic and social development,” Alfadley stated. He described the organization as a collective platform that integrates efforts to tackle water challenges in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
The minister underscored that the Global Water Organization would focus on transforming traditional water management approaches, addressing water scarcity, and ensuring the availability of water in the right places at the right times. He also highlighted the organization’s role in addressing the broader impacts of water on the economy, public health, food security, and supply chains, particularly in the face of climate change.
Alfadley further emphasized the need for an integrated system that spans all stages of the water cycle, adopting innovative economic models and reducing reliance on government subsidies while fostering private sector involvement.
The Global Water Organization’s launch represents a major step forward in international cooperation for sustainable water resource management, with a focus on research, development programs, expertise exchange, and the implementation of innovative solutions to ensure the long-term availability of water worldwide.
