Egypt's Irrigation min.: Many countries suffer from water shortage amid increasing population, climate changes

CAIRO - 11 September 2022: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Swailem said many countries suffer from water shortage amid increase in population, stable water quotas and climate changes having a negative impact on water amounts.

In his word before the “Environment & Development Forum (EDF) 2022: The Road to Sharm El Sheikh Climate Change CoP27”, the minister said Egypt is witnessing challenges in the water field, along with challenges attributed to increase in temperature, erosion, water from melting glaciers and ice sheets flows down rivers.

Meantime, Swailem highlighted the negative climate impact on decrease in water levels.

He accentuated the importance of rallying international efforts to face up to water challenges, along with placing the water issue on top of the global climate agenda, with a view to realizing sustainable development objectives.

The minister further pointed out to his ministry's efforts in the water domain.

The EDF kicked off on Sunday under the sponsorship of the Foreign Ministry.

The forum, to run till Tuesday, is held in cooperation with the Environment Ministry and with the participation of senior officials and experts representing 30 countries.

It will discuss the top key items on most countries’ agendas, including food and water security, clean and renewable energy, sustainable development, ecological conservation and protection, emissions control and sustainable transport.

The event is organized by the Arab Water Council as part of preparations for COP27 conference, due in the Red Sea Resort of Sharm el Sheikh in November.