The Arab League (AL) has urged member states to continue to implement ratified strategies to achieve water security and improve management of water resources.
Shahira Wahbi, director of the housing and water resources department at the AL, called for action to also increase the efficiency of water usage in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
She was speaking during a ceremony organised by the Arab Water Council on Monday to mark Water Day.
Wahbi also stressed the need to preserve water and adopt modern and sustainable irrigation techniques.
She pressed for developing a strong infrastructure for sanitation and waste water treatment.
Integrated projects that include building water treatment plants and upgrading the sanitation networks should be implemented, the diplomat advised.
Investing in all this should lead to enhancing the efficiency of usage of water resources, Wahbi said, pointing to the important role played by the private sector and financing institutions in this regard.
She also talked about the need to boost regional co-operation and coordination among Arab countries, where the management of water resources and sanitation is concerned.
Joint projects should be established, Wahbi said, noting that this would help the Arab countries overcome challenges and promote sustainability.
Financial incentives should be given to companies implementing projects and sustainable water initiatives to be able to encourage investments in this sector.
Wahbi urged the Arab governments, civil societies and private sector to act together to overcome the water and sanitation crisis and guarantee pure water resources are available for all.
