Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam joined the opening of the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum 2026 in Rome on Tuesday, where policymakers and experts are discussing desalination, water reuse, and non-conventional water resources as part of efforts to address growing water scarcity and climate pressures across the region.
The forum runs from September 29 to October 2 and brings together policymakers, international organisations, researchers, and businesses to discuss water security, regional cooperation, and innovation in water management. The forum’s official programme lists Sewilam among its high-level speakers.
Egypt’s Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry said Sewilam would participate in sessions addressing water security, desalination, wastewater reuse, non-conventional water resources, and regional cooperation, with a focus on translating strategies into implementable projects.
The gathering follows the second Union for the Mediterranean ministerial meeting on water, held in Rome on Monday, which adopted a new ministerial declaration calling for stronger regional and cross-border cooperation and more sustainable access to drinking water and sanitation.
Ministers also launched the Rome Initiative to support the planning, financing, and management of sustainable water systems.
The forum programme also focuses on improving water efficiency in agriculture, expanding water reuse and non-conventional resources, upgrading water networks, protecting aquifers, and strengthening climate adaptation and risk management.
The opening events featured Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, and UN Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi, alongside officials from international and regional organisations.
The ministry said Egypt’s participation aims to expand cooperation with Mediterranean countries and facilitate the exchange of expertise on sustainable water management and innovative responses to water scarcity and climate change.
