Morocco’s hosting of the 19th World Water Congress, scheduled for December 1 to 5 in Marrakech, reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the international community for a “resilient and sustainable future” for this vital resource, stated Abdelfetah Sahibi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Equipment and Water, on Monday in Rabat.
Speaking at a press conference to present the Congress, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and themed “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation,” Mr. Sahibi emphasized that this gathering reflects the Kingdom’s determination to strive for a resilient and sustainable water future, where innovation, cooperation, and collective responsibility are paramount.
In this regard, he affirmed that Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has made water security a cornerstone of its water policy and development model, adding that the Kingdom has opted to renew and revitalize its water policy.
In this policy, Morocco increasingly emphasizes innovation to optimize its water resources, he continued, noting that the Kingdom has adopted a proactive vision in the face of global water challenges, prioritizing innovation to find adequate solutions and anticipate resilient alternatives.
Moreover, Mr. Sahibi pointed out that the return of this edition of the World Water Congress to Morocco, following the 7th session in 1991 in Rabat, demonstrates the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to sustainable water management.
By hosting this significant event, organized jointly by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Ministry of Equipment and Water, Morocco aims to provide a global platform for dialogue and co-construction, fostering the exchange of knowledge, sharing experiences, and developing concrete and sustainable solutions for a prosperous water future, the official highlighted.
For his part, IWRA President Yuanyuan Li noted that the return of this edition to Morocco marks a special moment and underscores the country’s long-standing commitment to governance and innovation in the field of water.
The Congress takes place this year amid profound global changes, he said, referencing the intensifying effects of climate change, rapid population growth, increasing water scarcity, and persistent issues related to water quality.
According to Mr. Li, the theme chosen this year emphasizes the urgency of rethinking water management in light of climate uncertainty, growing pressures on water resources, technological transformation, and the need for more inclusive and equitable governance.
The 19th World Water Congress aims to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, innovations, and research findings, promoting collaboration among governments, universities, civil society, and the private sector, while highlighting Moroccan expertise in water resource management, particularly in arid environments, desalination, and unconventional water resources.
The event’s program includes a ministerial roundtable, four high-level panels, over 140 technical sessions led by international experts, and a large exhibition space dedicated to showcasing innovative water technologies and projects.
It will culminate in the Marrakech Declaration, a collective call bringing together decision-makers, scientists, and practitioners to strengthen the link between science, policy, and action and accelerate global mobilization for water preservation.