The newly established Global Water Organization (GWO) officially commenced operations on Wednesday from its headquarters in Riyadh, following the signing of its founding charter during an inaugural meeting in the Saudi capital, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The organization brings together founding members from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Greece, Senegal, Pakistan, and Mauritania, united by a shared commitment to sustainable water resource management.
The charter marks a formal step toward enhanced international collaboration, aimed at addressing the growing pressures on global water systems.
The charter signatories emphasized the importance of achieving the organization's objectives, which represent a new milestone for international cooperation in water management.
The agreement outlines a framework for increased cooperation and coordination among member states, focusing on the protection of water resources in both quantity and quality
Participants described the launch as a significant initiative for advancing global dialogue and solutions to water-related challenges, emphasizing the need for a strategic vision centered on sustainability and practical responses to environmental and climate impacts on water systems.
The agreement outlines a framework for increased cooperation and coordination among member states, focusing on the protection of water resources in both quantity and quality, and ensuring availability for future generations.
In addition to intra-member collaboration, the GWO stressed the importance of building broader partnerships: “The organization called for strengthening partnerships with non-member countries, United Nations organizations, international financial institutions, and all relevant stakeholders to support the organization's objectives.”
The meeting also highlighted the role of standardization and knowledge exchange in water management. Members agreed to prioritize the development of best practices and international benchmarks, as well as shared efforts in research and innovation, particularly in the area of sustainable technologies.
Supporting innovation efforts, the meeting highlighted the importance of research, encouraging innovation and development in sustainable technologies, and providing joint mechanisms and programs.
Participants confirmed their commitment to building national, regional, and international capacities in the water sector
Efforts to enhance data collection and analysis were another key focus, aimed at supporting evidence-based policymaking and adaptable governance frameworks. Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to building national and international capacity in the sector, offering joint technical and advisory support to help advance global water security and progress toward sustainable development goals.
Participants confirmed their commitment to building national, regional, and international capacities in the water sector, alongside providing joint technical and advisory support among members, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals, and enhancing global water security.
Looking ahead, the Global Water Organization aims to promote social, economic, health, and environmental development through equitable access to water and sanitation, while navigating the growing complexities of climate change and resource scarcity.
The charter signatories seek to address growing challenges facing the water sector by promoting social, economic, health, and environmental development to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation for all and achieve sustainable management.
