Saudi Arabia Hosts High-Level “Water Diplomacy” Dialogue at UN General Assembly

New York, September 22, 2025 – Live from Times Square Global Live

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a high-level ministerial dialogue on “Water Diplomacy: A Bridge for Sustainable Development and Cooperation” on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The session brought together distinguished ministers and officials from around the world to address pressing global water challenges.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the session by emphasizing the critical role of water diplomacy in promoting international security, economic development, and global resilience. “Water challenges are intensifying worldwide,” he said. “International cooperation and water diplomacy are indispensable tools for building trust and turning shared challenges into opportunities for collective progress.”

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s experience in tackling water scarcity, Prince Faisal noted the Kingdom’s leadership in desalination, efficiency optimization, water reuse, and global cooperation. These initiatives laid the groundwork for the newly established Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh, which aims to foster innovation, support technology transfer, and strengthen international water partnerships. Prince Faisal invited all UN Member States to join the organization.

The Minister also announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing global water solutions through collaboration and innovation.

Addressing maritime corridors, Prince Faisal stressed their vital role in global trade and energy transport. He warned that escalating threats to these routes jeopardize supply chains, environmental stability, and economic security. “Safeguarding maritime corridors is a collective responsibility that requires joint international action,” he said, underlining that water and maritime security are key pillars of global stability.

The session was attended by senior officials, including Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United States; Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Envoy for Climate; Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs; and Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The dialogue highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in global water governance, sustainability, and multilateral cooperation—critical areas for the future of international development and climate resilience.