7TH Cairo Water Week 2024

Closing Event

17 October 2024

Remarks by Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt

As we come together at the closing of this extraordinary event, the combined 7th Cairo Water Week and 9th African Water Week, I want to recognise the evolution of Cairo Water Week since its inception in 2018.  It has grown into a significant international platform for addressing global water challenges. What started as a national event has now become a major platform for global water diplomacy. It has successfully built momentum and attracted leaders, experts, and stakeholders to tackle one of the most critical issues of our time: water security.

Since its inception, Cairo Water Week has demonstrated an exceptional ability to address the most pressing water challenges facing Egypt, Africa, and the world. As a co-organizer, the European Union has been deeply committed to ensuring that the outcome of CWW contributes to sustainable water management on a global scale, in line with our vision for resilient, equitable, and secure access to water.

This event also reaffirms Egypt’s aspiration to become a regional knowledge hub for integrated water resource management. Over the course of this week, we have discussed solutions, exchanged knowledge, and formed partnerships that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. Allow me to highlight three key outcomes:

1. Building Regional and Global Partnerships and stressing the importance of cooperation in water management across borders. The collective dialogue on transboundary water management, water governance, and joint resource sharing has laid the foundation for stronger cooperation within the African continent, and beyond.

2. Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity and Climate Resilience: We saw an unprecedented focus on digital tools, climate-smart solutions, and the integration of desalination, wastewater reuse, and sustainable irrigation technologies. These are critical for enhancing climate resilience and ensuring that water resources are managed sustainably amid increasing demand and climate variability.

3. Commitment to Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Multiple sessions underscored the need for enhanced training, education, and research in water management. Investing in people, especially young professionals and women, is essential to ensuring that countries have the expertise to implement integrated water management solutions.

As we conclude this year’s Cairo Water Week and African Water Week, it is clear that we are leaving with much more than we came with. We have forged new partnerships, committed significant resources, and laid the foundation for innovative solutions to water and food security challenges.