GCC countries call for boosting scientific, technical cooperation in water sector

RIYADH/NEW YORK – The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) highlighted the importance of initiatives in the field of water, and the provision of water technologies to developing countries without restrictions and at preferential prices, according to the Saudi press agency.

This came in a statement delivered by Ambassador Mohammed bin Awad Al Hassan, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations on behalf of the GCC countries, during his participation in the discussions of the UN 2023 Water Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Tajikistan and the Netherlands in New York.

Al Hassan indicated that despite the difficult environmental and climatic conditions that the Gulf region suffers from – despite being among the most arid and water-stressed regions of the world, has been successful in providing water in a sustainable manner to meet the needs of current and subsequent generations, and keep pace with steady population growth, rapid urbanization and development.

It is a source of pride and evidence of the interest that the governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries attach to providing the basics for a dignified and safe life for their citizens, he added.

Al Hassan also explained that 40 per cent of the production of potable water for agricultural and industrial use through desalination plants is located in the GCC countries, which confirms that the GCC countries have been able to achieve 100 percent of the sustainable development goal related to the access of all residents to drinking water and sanitation services.

He also touched on many initiatives by the GCC countries to strengthen environmental systems, meet the growing demand for water, achieve efficient water supply, recycling and reuse, reducing leakage rates in water networks, and increasing societal awareness of the importance of water.

Al Hassan called on the governments of countries and the private sector to invest in the water sector in a way that enhances the national capacities of countries, especially in the field of technical and vocational training, operation and maintenance, rehabilitation of stations, manufacturing of spare parts, and qualification of national labor to preserve groundwater resources.