Water covers 70% of our planet. However, freshwater is incredibly rare—only 3% of the world’s water is fresh. Many water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed.

At the current consumption rate, this situation will only get worse. 

Already, water shortages affect a large part of the Middle East and North Africa region. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will likely face what the Food and Agriculture Organization calls “absolute water scarcity.” 

In the face of that, Saudi Arabia, last September, to strengthen collaboration around water to support sustainable development announced the establishment of the Riyadh-based Global Water Organization to tackle water challenges worldwide.

At the ongoing G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim said that inadequate freshwater impedes human capital development, and urged for a more cohesive strategy around water to support sustainable development.

During the Ensuring Access to Water and Sanitation session, Al-Ibrahim highlighted the severe impacts of water inaccessibility on agriculture, global food security, and human conflict.

He emphasized that the freshwater shortage is not just a policy concern but a basic human right integral to the Sustainable Development Goals, and noted that current efforts to address water accessibility are hindered by fragmented and isolated initiatives and called for a more cohesive approach.

The minister stressed the need for increased partnerships to foster innovation through research and development and more funding to support essential projects.

Highlighting the Saudi initiative to establish the Global Water Organization, Al-Ibrahim said the organization will provide a crucial platform for international collaboration, enabling countries to share knowledge and technical assistance. “Best practices are not confined to specific regions but can promptly be disseminated to those who need it most,” he said.

He urged elevating water issues within the G20 framework, continuing the annual Water Dialogue initiated by the Saudi Presidency in 2020, and leveraging the Global Water Organization to ensure universal access to water and sanitation.