Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented a six-point global agenda to combat water-related challenges at the ‘One Water Summit’ in Riyadh.
The PM highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change, particularly on developing nations, and underscored the need for collective international efforts to ensure sustainable water management. His address emphasized the urgency of global action to address water scarcity and ensure equitable access to this vital resource.
The prime minister concluded his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on December 5.
6-point agenda by Pakistan to tackle water challenges
The six points proposed by the prime minister to overcome water-related challenges are:
- International Cooperation and Collaboration: Ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6.
- Exchange of Knowledge and Expertise: Sharing innovative water management technologies and solutions as a priority.
- Adequate Funding for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Addressing the financing gap to support climate-resilient water infrastructure, particularly in climate-vulnerable countries.
- Transparency, Data Sharing, and Regional Cooperation: Establishing frameworks for data sharing, transparency, and regional cooperation to prevent conflicts and promote water sharing.
- Investment in Skills Development, Research, and Institutional Strengthening: Fostering development in skills, research, and strengthening institutions to tackle water challenges both nationally and globally.
- Strong Political Will and Global Leadership: Ensuring committed political leadership at the global level to address and overcome the water crisis.
Key bilateral meetings on the sidelines of Summit
During the visit, Sharif held bilateral meetings with key leaders. He met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss strengthening ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress on various agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries.
The talks aimed to elevate their partnership to new heights, reflecting shared goals in economic and social development.
In another significant engagement, Prime Minister Sharif met French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, including agriculture, livestock, information technology, vocational training, and access to clean drinking water.
These discussions marked a step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to attract international collaboration for sustainable development initiatives.
In addition to his meeting with the Saudi leadership, Prime Minister Sharif also held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the summit.
One Water Summit
The ‘One Water Summit,’ co-organized by global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and World Bank President Ajay Banga, was held in Riyadh on December 3, alongside COP16 discussions under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The summit aimed to accelerate progress on water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6) and incubate solutions for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
While the summit underscored the importance of scaling up global water projects, PM Sharif’s active participation highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to tackling climate-induced challenges and fostering international cooperation.