Gulf Cooperation Council: Water Security Is a Strategic Priority for Member States

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, affirmed that water security represents a strategic priority for GCC member states. He said it is not merely an environmental challenge, but is directly linked to human security, economic prosperity, food security and energy security, while constituting an essential element in the stability and resilience of societies.

His remarks came during his participation in a session titled "Water as a Strategic Necessity: From Global Challenges to Collective Action", organised by the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations on Friday, on the sidelines of meetings of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Albudaiwi explained that water scarcity has presented a continuing challenge for the Gulf region over many decades. At the same time, however, it has encouraged GCC countries to innovate, invest, strengthen cooperation and pursue long-term planning. He pointed to the extensive experience acquired by the member states in water desalination, water reuse, demand management and the application of innovative technologies, alongside efforts to strengthen the connection between water, energy and food security, climate resilience and sustainable economic development.

He added that technology alone is not sufficient to achieve water security, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and collective action, as well as the joint mechanisms, policies and programmes developed by GCC countries to enhance water security.

Albudaiwi referred to ongoing work among the member states to explore and develop a regional water interconnection. This would contribute to strengthening supply security and raising the level of collective preparedness and response to emergencies and water crises. He noted that challenges associated with climate change, population growth, economic transformations and increasing demand for natural resources are placing growing pressure on water systems around the world.

The GCC Secretary-General stressed that shared water challenges require shared solutions and that cooperation in this field contributes to building trust, reducing common vulnerabilities, creating economic opportunities and enhancing stability.

He also emphasised the importance of employing innovation and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart water management and renewable energy, to enhance efficiency and resilience. He called for the development of financing models that bring together governments, development institutions, research centres and the private sector, allowing promising solutions to be transformed into scalable and investable projects and infrastructure.

Source: QNA

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