Cairo Water Week 2024: Sisi says Egypt prioritizes water as Nile linked to people’s existence

CAIRO – 13 October 2024: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed that Egypt gives utmost priority to the water issue, recognizing the Nile River's vital link to the lives and existence of its people.

He made these remarks during the opening speech at the 7th Cairo Water Week on Sunday, which is held this year under the theme: “Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities.”

Sisi underscored that the Nile serves as Egypt's primary water source, supplying over 98% of the country's water needs.

He emphasized that safeguarding this crucial resource is an existential matter that demands steadfast political dedication, diligent efforts, and collaborative partnerships with brotherly nations to realize their shared aspirations.

The president highlighted the pressing need to deliberate on large-scale projects aimed at exploiting shared transnational rivers without conducting adequate research or taking into consideration the importance of ensuring safety and sustainability of international water resources.

Sisi stressed that International Water Law principles mandate prior notification, information sharing, and consultations, while also conducting essential studies, meeting basic human needs, and preventing any harm.

"Water is the essence of life and the cornerstone of all progress and development," Sisi stated. "From Egypt, the gift of the mighty Nile River, we urge the entire world to acknowledge water as a right for every individual on earth and to elevate the water value on the global agenda," Sisi said.

NON-COOPERATIVE PRACTICES

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly also delivered a speech during the Cairo Water Week 2024, warning against the “non-cooperative” unilateral operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during future prolonged drought periods in Egypt.

He warned that the persistence of such unilateral practices by Ethiopia can lead over 1.1 million people to lose their livelihoods and cause the disappearance of nearly 15% of agricultural land in Egypt.

He emphasized that such negative repercussions due to the dam threatens to increase social and economic tensions, potentially leading to displacement and migration, and exacerbating illegal immigration across Egyptian borders.

Madbouly highlighted GERD as a notable example of the risks resulting from unilateral actions that do not adhere to the principles of international law on shared river basins.

He stated that Ethiopia started dam construction on the Nile River over 13 years ago, without any consultation or sufficient studies regarding safety or the economic, social, and environmental impacts on neighboring countries.

The prime minister emphasized that the unilateral GERD construction violates internatonal law, including the Declaration of Principles (DoP) signed by Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia in 2015, and contradicts the presidential statement issued by the United Nations Security Council in September 2021.

Madbouly warned that Ethiopia’s continuation of unilateral actions regarding GERD poses an existential threat to over 100 million Egyptian citizens.

“Despite the prevailing belief that hydroelectric dams do not cause harm, the non-cooperative unilateral operation of the Ethiopian dam could lead to severe consequences if these practices persist during prolonged drought periods,” he warned.

 

CAIRO WATER WEEK 2024

The Cairo Water Week 2024 kicked off on Sunday, held in coincidence with the 9th Africa Water Week.

In his speech, Sisi said Egypt was determined to convene this timely gathering, despite the current formidable global challenges, given the critical importance of addressing the pressing issues of water management and resource development.

He highlighted the escalating crisis of water scarcity due to both natural and man-made causes and elements.

 

The event is held under the auspices of Sisi from 13 to 17 October in the presence of ministers, official delegations, senior officials in the water sector, scientists, international organizations and institutes, civil society organizations, women, farmers and legal professionals from various countries of the world.

The Cairo Water Week will underline the crucial role of water management in addressing the escalating climate change impacts and building resilience through a comprehensive approach. 

The event provides a vital platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives through insightful discussions and practical workshops.