Egypt is stepping up preparations for the ninth Cairo Water Week, scheduled to take place from 25 to 29 October 2026 under the theme “Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity and a Sustainable Planet,” under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam reviewed a report from Walid Hakiki, Head of the Strategic Management Sector and Executive Director of Cairo Water Week, on preparations for the international event.
Sewilam said Cairo Water Week has developed into an important international platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on water issues, with growing participation by ministers, senior officials, policymakers, experts, and regional and international organisations.
The ninth edition will focus on five themes: managing shared water resources under international water law; securing agricultural and food systems through desalination and wastewater treatment; strengthening climate resilience through sustainable management of water resources and coastal areas; harnessing artificial intelligence and digital transformation for water sustainability; and addressing water challenges through technical tools, societal frameworks, financing and national water governance.
Egypt has sent around 80 invitations to heads of international and regional organisations and public figures, as well as 133 invitations to ministers and senior officials across 119 countries. The Ministry said confirmations have already been received from ministers, deputy ministers and heads of delegations from several countries.
International and regional organisations will also participate in organising technical and scientific sessions and sponsoring competitions. Since registration for sessions opened on 15 May, 59 sessions have been submitted by international organisations and Ministry-affiliated bodies, with registration scheduled to close in early September.
The scientific conference has meanwhile received 122 research abstracts across its five themes. Of these, 104 passed the initial evaluation, while 40 extended abstracts and 26 full research papers advanced to the second stage and remain under review.
Organisers are also working to obtain an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) for the conference’s scientific output and are cooperating with the international journal Water Policy to publish selected research.
Competitions aimed at young researchers and innovators have attracted hundreds of entries. The “Ala El-Ad” campaign competition received 274 submissions, while the Three-Minute Thesis competition attracted 37 entries. Another 167 applicants entered the Young Water Innovators competition, with 32 projects reaching the final judging stage.
The ninth National Competition for Best Water Conservation Practices received 100 applications from farmers and water-user associations across Egypt, while 22 projects were submitted to the Best Graduation Projects competition.
Several major regional and international events will be held alongside Cairo Water Week, including the Seventh Arab Water Conference on 26–27 October under the theme “Water in the Arab Region: Partnerships for Peace and Sustainable Development,” as well as a meeting of the Arab Ministerial Water Council.
The International Exhibition and Conference on Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure and Energy will also take place from 26 to 28 October.
Cooperation with the Sahara agricultural exhibition and Aqua-Energy Expo is intended to strengthen links between water, agriculture, energy and food security.
Preparations also include upgrading the event’s digital platform for participant and organisation registration, scientific submissions and competitions. A mobile application and a system for monitoring session attendance are also being developed, with cybersecurity requirements incorporated into the new digital infrastructure.
