By: Syed Mussarat Khalil, Correspondent, Jeddah-KSA
The fifth session of the OIC Ministers of Water Conference began today in Jeddah, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the theme “From Vision to Impact.” The three-day conference brings together ministers and experts in water affairs from OIC Member States to address pressing water challenges and promote sustainable solutions.
Pakistan’s Representation and Preparatory Meetings
According to official sources, His Excellency Ambassador Syed Mohammad Fawad Sher, Pakistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative, attended the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held ahead of the main conference. The SOM finalized the Draft Resolution and Fifth Session Report, which will be adopted during the Ministerial Meeting on October 21, 2025, in Jeddah.
The preparatory discussions focused on shared water issues among member countries, emphasizing the role of Saudi Arabia in leading global efforts to achieve sustainable water security and responsible resource management.
Strengthening Global Water Cooperation
The conference aims to enhance cooperation and partnerships among OIC member states and affiliated agencies. Key goals include:
- Promoting modern technologies and digital transformation for efficient water management.
- Developing joint initiatives and projects to support water sustainability.
- Stimulating investment and financing in the water sector.
- Exploring innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure long-term water security in Islamic countries.
These objectives reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing global water challenges and its leadership in environmental sustainability.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Water Sustainability
In his address, Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Muhareb Al-Shaibani, Deputy Minister for Water Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, highlighted that regional and international partnerships are essential for achieving measurable progress beyond theoretical planning.
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia has implemented strategic measures in water resource management aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. These include:
- Developing national strategies, policies, and programs.
- Improving water use efficiency and increasing economic and social value.
- Attracting investment and localizing water technologies.
As a result, the Kingdom’s Integrated Water Resources Management Index rose from 57% in 2017 to 83% in 2023, one of the fastest growth rates globally. The United Nations has recognized Saudi Arabia as a global model for accelerating progress toward the Sixth Sustainable Development Goal (Clean Water and Sanitation).
OIC’s Commitment to Water Sustainability
Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reaffirmed that the theme “From Vision to Impact” highlights the need to move from planning to practical implementation.
He reiterated the OIC’s dedication to promoting water sustainability, conserving resources, and strengthening resilience against water scarcity. Ambassador Khokher expressed appreciation to Egypt for chairing the previous session and thanked Saudi Arabia for its leadership and support in hosting this fifth edition.
Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship underscores its global leadership in tackling water challenges through national strategies that enhance water resource management, environmental protection, and international collaboration.
