Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam participated in the "High-Level Strategic Dialogue for the Preparation of the Eighth Cairo Water Week 2025," organized in collaboration between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the European Union.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Dr. Sewilam expressed gratitude to Ms. Angelina Eichhorst, the EU Ambassador to Egypt, and other attendees. He acknowledged the European Union for its cooperation with the ministry in various fields and international events, highlighting Cairo Water Week as a key platform for dialogue and innovation in water security and sustainability.
Dr. Sewilam reviewed the achievements of Cairo Water Week 2024, which included record participation from governments, organizations, and the private sector, underscoring global water challenges. The event featured dialogues and technical sessions such as the "Solar-Powered Desalination Dialogue for Irrigation under the AWARe Initiative" and the "African Hydrological Dialogue" by the World Meteorological Organization, focusing on water governance and resilience strategies.
Several agreements were signed during Cairo Water Week 2024, including memorandums of understanding between Egypt and Nigeria, ICARDA, and the Netherlands for cooperative water management efforts. The event also marked the launch of the Water Partnership Programme between Egypt and the EU and a significant funding agreement under the Green Europe Mechanism.
The upcoming Eighth Cairo Water Week will focus on "Innovative Solutions for Climate Resilience and Water Sustainability," addressing climate-related water challenges. The event will feature significant gatherings like the "Meeting of the Board of Governors of the World Water Council" and the "Joint Ministerial Meeting on Water and Agriculture for the Arab League."
Dr. Sewilam highlighted Egypt's water scarcity challenges, noting the country's limited water resources and the ministry's efforts to enhance irrigation systems and integrate smart technologies. Global estimates by the OECD suggest that developing countries will need over a trillion dollars annually by 2030 for climate adaptation, with significant investments directed towards water.
Ambassador Eichhorst emphasized the EU's commitment to its partnership with Cairo Water Week, highlighting the importance of transforming ideas into actionable projects. She reiterated the EU's dedication to providing solutions for water sector challenges in the region and ensuring sustainable water resources.