Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, warned that global water challenges are intensifying under the combined pressures of climate change and rapid population growth, calling for stronger international cooperation to secure water resources.
According to the ministry, Sewilam attended the opening session of the Fifth Istanbul International Water Forum and will take part in a ministerial roundtable, alongside bilateral meetings with officials from several countries.
He stressed that the forum comes at a critical moment as water systems face mounting strain, urging integrated approaches to build resilience. Sewilam underscored that transboundary cooperation is essential, emphasizing adherence to international law, trust, and mutual benefit without causing harm.
The minister highlighted the need to embed water issues within the global climate agenda and strengthen multilateral collaboration. He pointed to the 2026 UN Water Conference as a pivotal opportunity to advance the global water agenda, noting Egypt’s role in chairing one of its interactive dialogues.
“Water security is no longer a national issue alone but a shared responsibility tied to sustainable development,” Sewilam said.
On the sidelines of the forum, he met Senegal’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, to discuss cooperation ahead of Senegal’s co-hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Sewilam emphasized the importance of coordination between Egypt and Senegal in international water and climate forums to achieve practical outcomes.
He praised Senegal’s leadership of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working with African partners to advance water and climate priorities, including the implementation of Africa’s Water Vision 2063.
