With Egyptian participation.. Baghdad conference discusses sustainable water management
With Egyptian participation.. Baghdad conference discusses sustainable water management
In a scene that reflects the growing importance of the water issue in the Arab world, on May 24, 2025, the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, witnessed the holding of the Fifth Baghdad International Water Conference, with broad participation from experts and officials representing several countries, including Dr. Hani Sweilem, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, who participated in the high-level session of the conference under the title “Sustainable Development,” where he delivered a speech that addressed the challenges and opportunities associated with water resources management in Egypt. And the region.
In this article,Earth Guardswill address the highlights of the conference, highlighting Egypt’s efforts that seek to achieve sustainable management of its water resources, enhance its regional role in water cooperation, and innovate in confronting the challenges of climate change, through practical strategies that integrate modern technology with governance and community participation; So keep reading.
Egypt adopts modern irrigation techniques
Dr. Hani Sweilem explained during his speech at the Baghdad Water Conference that the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is working to develop the irrigation system through “The Second Generation of the Egyptian Irrigation System 2.0”, which represents a qualitative shift towards the use of smart irrigation systems based on modern technology, and that this transformation aims to reduce water waste and improve the efficiency of its use in the agricultural sector, which consumes the largest portion of water resources in the country. Egypt.
The Minister – Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation – explained that the Ministry also encourages farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices through support and awareness; Which enhances productivity and reduces the negative environmental impact, and this comes within the framework of a national strategy directly linked to the goals of sustainable development. Egypt focuses on ensuring food security and improving water management in accordance with social, economic and environmental requirements.
The importance of governance in water management
The Minister also indicated during his speech at the Baghdad Water Conference that governance plays a pivotal role in strengthening the management of water resources, as it provides mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and coordination of efforts between the various bodies concerned with water management in Egypt. He explained that one of the most important of these mechanisms is the formation of links between water users at multiple levels from canals to governorates; Which contributes to the involvement of local communities in making decisions and following up on their implementation.
In addition, the Minister stated that the “Supreme Water Council” has been activated, headed by the Prime Minister, in what is considered a strategic step to unify and coordinate water policies between different ministries such as irrigation, agriculture, environment, and housing. This ensures the achievement of integration in national plans and programmes, which contributes to confronting water challenges and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a balanced manner.
Cooperation with the Nile Basin countries
In an extension of these national efforts, the Minister explained that Egypt is committed to developing integrated cooperation relations with the Nile Basin countries, through implementing joint projects aimed at improving water management and providing for the needs of the population. These initiatives include developing groundwater drinking water resources using solar energy, constructing dams to harvest rainwater, as well as developing water transport infrastructure and purifying waterways.
In addition, these efforts focus on building the technical capabilities of human cadres from various sisterly African countries, through specialized training centers and stations to monitor climate change and water quality. With this approach, these partnerships enhance the opportunities for sustainable development in the region, and contribute to enhancing water and regional security in an integrated manner.
The North Coast Project in the Face of Climate Change
In this context, Dr. Hani Sweilem confirmed that Egypt has practical steps to adapt to the effects of climate change through the project “Enhancing Adaptation to Climate Change in the North Coast and the Nile River Delta”, which is considered one of the leading models in integrating environmental innovation with community participation, as the project relies on the use of environmentally friendly natural materials, in addition to the involvement of local communities in the implementation processes; This ensures the sustainability and success of interventions in the long term.
This project represents a living example of how to confront the challenges of sea level rise and its negative impacts on the coasts. It is a model that reflects Egypt’s commitment to protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development. It combines environmentally friendly technologies with development strategies that put people and the environment at the center of attention.
In this context,Earth Guards believes that these integrated efforts confirm Egypt’s firm commitment to managing its water resources efficiently and sustainably, whether through strengthening national governance mechanisms or through close cooperation with the Nile Basin countries, and as these endeavors continue, hopes are renewed for a brighter future for water in Egypt and the region, a future based on foundations of justice. Transparency and constructive cooperation.
