Minister of Irrigation participates in High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York

CAIRO – 13 July 2026: Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, is participating in the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, currently being held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

This participation coincides with an in-depth global review of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

It also aligns with ongoing preparations for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, where Egypt is co-chairing the interactive dialogue titled “Water for the Planet” alongside Japan, a role that enhances Egypt’s contribution to shaping international discussions on water and sustainable development.

The forum addresses several critical issues related to accelerating the implementation of SDG 6 and elevating the status of water resources on the international agenda.

Delegates are discussing the growing challenges associated with water scarcity, drought, desertification, land degradation, and the overall impacts of climate change, including the increasing frequency of severe heat waves. A major focus is being placed on finding innovative ways to support and build the resilience of water systems worldwide in the face of these escalating environmental shifts.

In addition to the main sessions, Minister Sweilem's agenda includes a series of bilateral meetings with high-level international officials. These meetings come with the aim to exchange views on the objectives of the 2026 conference, chart the future of global water initiatives, and strengthen cooperation between nations and international water organizations. The discussions will also focus on mobilizing partnerships, securing funding, transferring technology, and building capacity to support shared global priorities.