World Water Day, March 22: H.E. Mohamed Al-Sahlawi on Water Scarcity

As we commemorate World Water Day this 22nd of March, we must reflect on the critical importance of water and the urgent need to address one of humanity’s most pressing issues — one often overlooked, overshadowed, or left to deal with tomorrow: water scarcity.

Water scarcity is a growing concern that affects countries worldwide, including the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.

It is a global challenge that demands urgent attention and concerted action.

As the UAE Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, I am deeply committed to addressing this imminent and critical threat to humanity by fostering international cooperation to find sustainable solutions.

As the water scarcity challenge becomes more widespread, it is increasingly driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change.

Today, around 80% of the global population suffers from serious threats to water supply, and by 2030, we will lack 40% of the water needed to meet global needs.

The projected escalation in the frequency, intensity, and consequences of drought events due to climate change makes the likelihood of reducing water scarcity by 2030 seem somewhat doubtful.

This phenomenon is not confined to arid regions like the UAE; it affects countries worldwide, including in Europe. Southern Europe, in particular, faces significant challenges due to the projected escalation in the frequency and intensity of drought events.

Recent data paints a concerning picture: as of January 2024, 15.7% of the EU’s territory is already experiencing ‘warning conditions’ regarding water scarcity, with approximately 1% facing ‘alert conditions’.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for additional efforts to ensure the sustainable use of water resources and to implement effective strategies for water management and conservation.

Because it is situated in a region known for its arid climate, the UAE has taken a strong stance on the importance of confronting this challenge.

We have heavily invested in advanced technologies and embraced innovation to develop sustainable solutions for water management and conservation, and ready to share our experience and findings with our partners.

One of the most significant initiatives undertaken by the UAE is the development of advanced desalination technology. Desalination is crucial in providing fresh water to our population and supporting our growing economy.

Through continuous research and investment, the UAE has become a global leader in desalination, setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability, harnessing the power of innovation to produce fresh water from seawater and brackish water sources.

Furthermore, the UAE has implemented comprehensive water conservation measures, through the implementation of cutting-edge irrigation techniques and water recycling programs to optimize water use across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption.

These efforts have not only helped alleviate water scarcity but have also promoted environmental sustainability and resilience.

Additionally, looking at the tense geopolitical context, especially in our MENA region, the UAE understands the importance of water in humanitarian action. This is why we built six desalination plants in the Egyptian city of Rafah to pump drinkable water to civilians in Gaza, which operate at a general capacity of 1.2 million gallons pumped daily to the Gaza Strip, benefitting over 600,000 people per day.

Water scarcity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees. The UAE is committed to supporting humanitarian efforts to provide access to clean and safe water for those affected by water shortages, and we welcome partnerships with EU countries to address this pressing issue.

Addressing water scarcity requires more than technological solutions; it demands cooperation and collaboration among all nations.

No single country can solve this complex problem alone.

That is why the UAE is committed to working closely with the European Union and its member states, and all willing partners, to develop comprehensive strategies for water management and conservation.

Cooperation between countries is essential for several reasons. Firstly, water scarcity transcends borders; rivers, lakes, and aquifers do not adhere to political boundaries. Therefore, effective management of water resources requires coordinated action at the regional and international levels.

Secondly, many of the challenges associated with water scarcity such as pollution and over-extraction, are shared concerns that require collective solutions. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can develop more robust and resilient water management systems.

Thirdly, international cooperation can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and technologies for addressing water scarcity.

The UAE stands ready to share its experiences and lessons learned with European partners, while learning from their successes and innovations. Together, we can leverage our collective strengths to develop sustainable water solutions that benefit all.

With this mindset, the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative announced a few weeks ago its $150 million investment in the XPRIZE Water Scarcity, a 5-year global competition designed to drive widespread access to clean water by creating reliable, sustainable, and affordable seawater desalination systems.

Dealing with the threats and challenges of water scarcity, with its “ripple effect”, is as pressing as ever and demands urgent action for the safeguarding of life as we know it. Let us not wait until the last moment, until the last drop, until we can no longer have a positive impact to act.

As we mark World Water Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to tackling water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management practices.

The UAE is committed to playing its part in addressing this challenge, both domestically and internationally. By fostering cooperation and collaboration among all countries, we can work towards a future where water is abundant, accessible, and sustainable for all.

His Excellency Mohamed Al-Sahlawi was appointed as the UAE ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union in November 2021.

Prior to his current post, Ambassador Al Sahlawi has been the UAE Deputy Head of Mission in Paris and the UAE Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Additionally he has been appointed as alternate representative to the Executive Board at UNESCO.

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