Egypt has called on all countries to cooperate on water challenges to achieve the sustainable development plan.
Egypt suffers from a scarcity of water resources and needs about 114 billion cubic meters annually, while the available water resources amount to 74 billion cubic meters.
The Nile water accounts for more than 90 percent of Egypt’s needs or 55.5 billion cubic meters.
It is expecting a shortage in its water share as Ethiopia begins operating the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River.
In the presence of 30 water ministers from countries around the world and 20 regional and international organizations, Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel Aty said that all countries, including Egypt, face various challenges to achieve their 2030 sustainable development plans, namely population increase and climate change.
Speaking at the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, the minister urged more coordination and cooperation among different countries in water to achieve sustainable development.
The meeting seeks to develop a draft action plan on improving drinking water and sanitation services, push for the development of national programs and policies worldwide, and emphasize the need to take several necessary measures to achieve the water goals.
Abdel Aty noted that the Egyptian state outlined a water management plan worth $50 billion to improve water quality and develop existing water resources.
He referred to the important interrelationship between water and food, saying water represents a critical element of agriculture and food security.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Egyptian minister met with Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman al-Fadhli, reiterating the importance of boosting cooperation in water, which contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring the good use of water resources.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian government launched “Every Drop Counts” as part of the national campaign to rationalize water consumption, coinciding with World Water Day.
The Holding Company for Water and Waste Water noted that the initiative includes awareness campaigns in all governorates in coordination with scouting teams and representatives from the Church and ministries of Awqaf and Culture.
Throughout the week, the Ministry of Awqaf, Al-Azhar, and the Church launched religious teachings and radio programs on the importance of rationalizing water consumption.
