Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the urgent need for strong political will and global leadership to tackle the escalating water crisis, which he described as a growing existential threat to nations around the world. Speaking at the “One Water Summit” in Riyadh, alongside the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP-16), the Prime Minister emphasized the critical role of water in economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability.
He pointed out that nearly half of the global population faces water scarcity for at least part of the year, and many still lack access to clean drinking water. Moreover, water pollution is rising at an alarming rate, and resources are rapidly depleting and deteriorating, leading to displacement and unprecedented destruction. He called for collective international action, especially in light of the ongoing impact of climate change and growing populations.
In his remarks, PM Sharif shared Pakistan’s struggles with water-related challenges, including the catastrophic floods of 2022, which devastated the country’s water resources and irrigation systems, affecting millions. He also noted that droughts represent another significant threat, with 70% of Pakistan’s land being arid or semi-arid, and 30% of its population directly impacted by drought conditions. With projected temperature increases in Pakistan far exceeding the global average, he stressed the need for global cooperation to address these growing challenges.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of transboundary water management and cooperation, citing the Indus Water Treaty as an example. He emphasized the need for sustained dialogue to address challenges arising from upstream dams and other factors that threaten regional peace and stability.
To combat these issues, PM Sharif proposed a six-point global agenda, urging cooperation to ensure sustainable water and sanitation for all, share knowledge and expertise, and support innovative water management technologies. He also called for funding to build climate-resilient infrastructure and improve data sharing and regional cooperation to prevent conflicts over water resources.
Furthermore, PM Sharif praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for his leadership in establishing the Global Water Organization, and Pakistan’s role as a founding member. He concluded by expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia, France, Kazakhstan, and the World Bank for organizing the timely summit on this critical issue.
