Sign in Subscribe
Cabinet officials

Jordan Emphasizes Importance of Water Management at Cairo Water Week

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Jordan's Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Soud, stressed the need for joint Arab and Islamic efforts to address water scarcity and climate-related issues at the 38th General Assembly of the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) in Cairo. Abu Soud highlighted Jordan's national strategic projects, including the National Water Carrier Project, which will rely on renewable energy, and initiatives to sustain existing water resources and improve water supply efficiency. He also commended Egypt's efforts in hosting and organizing Arab and Islamic meetings and thanked the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development for supporting the implementation of the National Water Carrier Project. The assembly brought together ministers from various Arab and Islamic countries to discuss effective future strategies for addressing water, environmental, and food security challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jordan's Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Soud, emphasized the importance of joint Arab and Islamic efforts to address water scarcity and climate-related issues.
  • The National Water Carrier Project, initiated by Jordan, will rely on renewable energy to address the effects of climate change and groundwater decline.
  • Jordan is also implementing initiatives to sustain existing water resources, improve water supply efficiency, and expand wastewater treatment using international best standards for restricted agricultural use.
  • The Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) highlighted its regional initiative linking water, food, and energy to help member countries develop sustainable water solutions.
  • Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilam, praised INWRDAM's role in promoting cooperation, noting the disproportionate distribution of freshwater resources in the Arab region.
  • Syrian Minister of Agriculture, Amjad Badr, underscored the need for active partnerships and practical policy frameworks to face water scarcity challenges in the Levant region.
  • Azerbaijani Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Rahimovich Khamraev, called for innovative solutions to help member states overcome water challenges and encouraged greater Islamic nation engagement in water development.
  • Hany El Shaer, Regional Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasized the key role of civil society and organizations in enhancing climate resilience.
  • Abdel Samie Fleifel, advisor to the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, announced the fund's contribution to the National Water Carrier Project and the launch of an Arab platform to facilitate financing.

Statistics:

  • The Arab region possesses only 1 percent of the world's freshwater resources, despite comprising 6 percent of the global population (Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation).
  • Water scarcity could cost Arab economies between 6 and 14 percent of their GDP by 2050 (Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation).
  • The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development has financed over 142 Arab water projects (Abdel Samie Fleifel).

Sources:

  • Jordan News Agency, 13 Oct 2025
  • Ministry of Water and Irrigation (Jordan)
  • Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM)
  • Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation
  • Syrian Ministry of Agriculture
  • Azerbaijani Ministry of Water Resources
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development

Read more