(United Arab Emirates), 16-18 September 2024

The 6th Arab Water Forum, held from 16 to 18 September 2024 in Abu Dhabi, brought together key stakeholders from the region to discuss pressing challenges related to sustainable water resource management. Revolving around themes related to security, sustainability, and prosperity, this forum served as a platform to exchange strategies aimed at strengthening the region’s resilience to growing water shortages and climate change. The CIHEAM took this opportunity to highlight its commitment to renewed Mediterranean cooperation focused on innovation and the education of youth and women.

The Arab region is one of the most affected globally by water scarcity. With a rapidly growing population and water demand expected to double by 2050, the challenges are immense. According to figures shared at the forum, 12 of the 17 countries most exposed to water scarcity are in the MENA region, where the agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors compete for already strained resources. The forum emphasized the importance of integrating intelligent water management technologies, such as AI-powered irrigation systems, as well as natural solutions to improve resource management efficiency. The role of social innovations was also highlighted to enable more inclusive management of water resources.

The CIHEAM also reaffirmed its central role in promoting sustainable solutions through education and training, networked research, technical assistance, and policy dialogue. During the session "Circular Water Economy for Climate Security," organised by CIHEAM Bari, the focus was on the need to fund innovative projects and promote public-private partnerships to foster the transition to sustainable management systems. During this session, speakers discussed the innovative technologies and financial models necessary to ensure climate security through the circular water economy.

The session entitled "Voices of Youth and Women on Water Security and for a Sustainable Future" was one of the key moments of the Forum. Co-organized by the CIHEAM and other institutions, including UNESCO, this session highlighted the importance of including youth and women in decision-making processes related to water management. Women and young people, often the most vulnerable to climate and water crises, are nonetheless key to developing innovative solutions.

The session concluded with the presentation of a draft joint declaration calling for the empowerment of youth and the integration of gender perspectives into water management policies. This document highlights key principles such as equitable access and sustainable management of water resources, the integration of youth and women into water governance, and the promotion of water-related careers to enhance the sector's appeal.

The declaration also emphasizes the need for a transition to sustainable and innovative water systems, the creation of unconventional partnerships for water management, and the establishment of inclusive and transparent governance. Additionally, it proposes the creation of common spaces for Arab youth and women to foster their engagement in water management while supporting technological innovation led by them.

This draft declaration will be further enriched by the outcomes of the various forum sessions before being finalized at a later stage.

Further information on the 6th edition of the Arab Water Forum.

Download the agenda of the Session "Voices of Youth and Women on Water Security and for a Sustainable Future"