Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) through implementing an integrated water resource management approach, improving service efficiency, strengthening water security, and leveraging the latest technologies and innovations in water resource management, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The statement was made during Saudi Arabia’s participation in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The forum brought together Member States, international organizations and development agencies to review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerate global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
In a session to review progress on SDG 6, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Shaibani, Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, highlighted Saudi efforts towards developing and strengthening sustainability in the water sector. He noted that Saudi Arabia has made tangible progress in water sector management, including expanding water and sanitation services and strengthening institutional governance, contributing to improved efficiency across the water supply chain and supporting the long-term sustainability of water resources.
Mr. Al Shaibani also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s international efforts to strengthen global cooperation in the water sector, in particular the World Water Organization, which aims to foster cooperation, foster knowledge exchange, and accelerate sustainable solutions to global water challenges. He also mentioned the establishment of an International Water Research Center to support scientific research, innovation and capacity building.
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027 will be an important opportunity to advance international dialogue and translate global commitments into practical solutions that strengthen water security and sustainable development.
In addition to the forum, several bilateral meetings were held with UN officials, international organizations, financial and development institutions, and private sector partners. The meeting considered ways to strengthen international cooperation in the water sector, exchange expertise, support joint efforts to achieve the SDGs, and discuss preparations for the 11th World Water Forum.
The High-Level Political Forum serves as the United Nations’ primary platform for reviewing progress in implementing the SDGs. This year’s Forum focused on several priority goals, particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, as well as international partnerships and the exchange of expertise and best practices to support sustainable development.
