Riyadh, October 05, 2023, In a world where more than two billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and nearly two-thirds of the global population, or four billion individuals, face severe water scarcity for at least one month annually, the water crisis has emerged as a pressing global concern. This crisis has catalyzed action in many nations to address this looming challenge, given its multifaceted impacts, ranging from droughts and floods to pollution, economic instability, food and energy insecurity, and environmental sustainability issues. Consequently, the international community is more determined than ever to develop effective mechanisms to confront the escalating water crisis.
In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a country grappling with water scarcity issues of its own, has taken a proactive stance in addressing the myriad challenges posed by water scarcity. A notable recent development in this regard was the announcement made by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to establish the Global Water Organization (GWO), headquartered in Riyadh. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's recognition of the vital role of water in shaping the future of humanity, achieving sustainable development objectives, and mitigating the risks associated with freshwater resources worldwide.
The announcement of the GWO has garnered widespread attention, particularly within scientific and academic circles. Distinguished experts and scholars have expressed their support for this Saudi initiative, which is expected to play a pivotal role in coordinating and enhancing global efforts to address water-related challenges comprehensively. The organization is poised to facilitate the exchange of experiences, promote technological innovation, stimulate research and development, and contribute to the realization of priority projects while facilitating their funding.
Commenting on this Saudi initiative, Dr. Stefan Uhlenbrook, Director of Hydrology, Water and Cryosphere at the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, lauded the visionary step taken by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Dr. Uhlenbrook emphasized the urgency of comprehending hydrological processes across various scales, particularly in the context of rapidly shifting global dynamics and the profound impact of climate change on the hydrological cycle. He underscored the critical role of the GWO in securing equitable access to clean, sustainable water resources for all, with a core mission focused on strengthening observational and modeling systems to better understand the ever-evolving state of global water resources.
The establishment of the GWO also drew praise from Professor Matthew McCabe, Director of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Climate and Livability Initiative and recipient of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water. Professor McCabe noted that water is a key driver of human progress and national prosperity. He emphasized the organization's potential to address crucial water-related challenges by fostering technological innovation, facilitating knowledge sharing, and promoting information exchange, ultimately contributing to a more water-secure future for all.
Echoing these sentiments, Professor Menachem Elimelech of Yale University, also a recipient of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water, emphasized the importance of access to clean and safe water as a fundamental human right. He highlighted the stark global disparities in water access and commended the GWO for its potential to bridge this gap through global focus on critical water-related challenges.
The dire need for a coordinated global response to water security challenges was reiterated by Professor Dennis Lettenmaier of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He pointed out that water security is under threat worldwide due to increasing pollution, unsustainable extraction, mismanagement, and the evolving impacts of climate change. Given that most of Saudi Arabia is arid, the organization's role in providing a coordinated response is paramount, allowing the country to play a leading role in addressing these challenges effectively.
Dr. Kevin Trenbeth, a Distinguished Scholar at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the United States, emphasized the role of climate change and human over-exploitation of water resources in creating stress on water systems and infrastructure. He highlighted the potential for the GWO to contribute to managing these global challenges, fostering sustainability, and making water resources more accessible, especially to those in greatest need.
Professor Howard Wheater of the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, underscored the importance of the GWO's role in a world facing unprecedented challenges from floods and droughts. He noted that the GWO, building on Saudi Arabia's international reputation as a leader in water technology, has the potential to galvanize the global community to address some of the most complex issues of the 21st century.
Leveraging its geopolitical, economic, and political influence and being a pioneer in water desalination, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to host the GWO. In collaboration with member countries, Saudi Arabia can take a leadership role in coordinating efforts and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals related to water security.
