Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam presented Egypt’s integrated water management strategy during a high-level session marking the 50th anniversary of Japan’s Water Day and Water Week, attended by Emperor Naruhito, senior government officials and international water experts.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the session brought together ministers, representatives of international organisations and development partners, including the World Bank, the United Arab Emirates, Japan’s business federation and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. Egypt’s Ambassador to Japan, Ragy Etreby, also attended.
In his remarks, Sewilam outlined Egypt’s approach to managing severe water scarcity, highlighting major projects to expand the reuse of treated agricultural drainage water as part of efforts to narrow the country’s water deficit and support agricultural development.
He also reviewed Egypt’s experience in participatory water management through Water User Associations, which involve beneficiaries in the operation, maintenance and management of irrigation networks to improve water-use efficiency and strengthen local participation in water governance.
Sewilam highlighted the role of institutional governance in the water sector, pointing to the National Water Council, chaired by the prime minister, as a mechanism for coordinating policies and programmes across government entities to strengthen water security and ensure integrated water resources management.
The minister also promoted what he described as the “Water, Sun and Sand” concept as a future model for enhancing water and food security by combining solar-powered desalination with agricultural expansion in desert areas, particularly along coastal regions.
He said desalinated water could become an important source for large-scale food production when integrated with renewable energy and advanced technologies, helping countries address water scarcity, enhance food security and adapt to climate change.
Sewilam also stressed the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships to mobilise investment, facilitate technology transfer and accelerate the implementation of water projects in support of sustainable development goals and climate resilience.
