Arab countries commemorate Arab Water Day annually on 3 March. This year the Day was held under the theme “Sustainable Water for a Better Water Future,” underscoring the critical importance of advancing the water sector and addressing the formidable challenges that hinder Arab nations' pursuit of water security. The Arab region is among the most water-scarce in the world, with a vast majority of its population enduring severe water shortages—an issue that poses a significant obstacle to sustainable development. Water scarcity directly impacts access to clean water, thereby influencing energy and food security as well as overall economic growth.
Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Economic Affairs Sector, said that achieving water security in the region necessitates the adoption of an integrated and equitable approach to water resource management. He called for strengthened collaboration across various sectors and communities to ensure water security at both national and regional levels. The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States accords high priority to water-related issues, actively monitoring them through the Department of Housing, Water Resources, and Disaster Reduction—the Technical Secretariat of the Arab Ministerial Water Council. This council convenes annually to oversee developments in this vital sector and to coordinate unified Arab positions on water policies and strategies.
This year’s Arab Water Day takes place amid grave regional challenges, exacerbated by ongoing wars and conflicts. Foremost among these is the recent Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, which has inflicted massive devastation on lives, infrastructure, and essential services. Since the onset of its assault, the Israeli occupation has deliberately targeted the water and sanitation sectors, employing water as a tool of collective punishment and coercion against the Palestinian people.
The League of Arab States warns of the severe humanitarian repercussions of Israel’s relentless aggression, calling for an urgent escalation of Arab and international support for the State of Palestine. It underscores the necessity of swift interventions to provide potable water and mitigate the risks of wastewater flooding—essential measures to alleviate the dire humanitarian conditions endured by the people of Gaza.
Marking this occasion, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States will host a commemorative event on 10 March at its headquarters, under the title: “Sustainable Water: Towards a Secure Water Future.” The event will bring together experts in water management, representatives of member states, and specialised Arab organisations, including partners of the Arab Water Council. The celebration aims to foster greater integration between scientific research and practical efforts in water resource management, reinforcing sustainable development goals and ensuring a more secure water future for the Arab world.
