Water resources in dry areas, discussing scientific solutions and the latest technologies to achieve water security, raising awareness of the importance of preserving water resources and seeking to achieve optimal management of these resources.

In confirmation of the Egyptian state’s keenness to hold Cairo Water Week activities, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly affirmed, in a recorded speech broadcast during the opening session, that “Egypt was keen to hold Cairo Water Week despite the Corona circumstances, because of its importance in discussing the challenges of… Water, and cooperation with development partners in facing these challenges,” considering that Cairo Water Week raises many regional issues related to water, which contributes to achieving peace and accelerating the pace of development.

In his speech, Madbouly also touched on the crisis of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, saying that “Egypt was keen, during its presidency of the African Union, to uphold the interests of the peoples and enhance joint cooperation, and here cooperation must be affirmed and strengthened among the countries sharing international cross-border rivers.” , In a way that does not cause harm to any country, and here we must emphasize in the case of the Renaissance Dam, the necessity of reaching a binding legal agreement for cooperation with regard to filling and operating the Ethiopian dam, in a way that strengthens the bonds of cooperation with brotherly countries.

While the Prime Minister reiterated his emphasis that “Egypt is committed to negotiating with Ethiopia and Sudan to reach this agreement,” he pointed out that “unilateral actions and extending control over the sources of rivers did not achieve stability and peace in the region,” stressing that “water is the legacy.” Common to all peoples, God has given us the blessing of water to preserve it and ensure the prosperity of nations, and therefore we must cooperate to confront the challenges, to achieve water security, regional peace, and sustainable development.”

This year’s edition witnessed the organization of the “Best Graduation Project” competition, under the auspices and in the presence of the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Aty, and the Scientific Committee of Cairo Water Week provided the opportunity for young graduates, and encouraged all graduation projects for the academic year 2019/2020 from public and private universities, to Participate in the competition, provided that the projects are within the competition areas. The committee has chosen the five best projects to be presented during the session.

The closing day’s activities also included the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation holding the “Research Presentation in Three Minutes” competition, which is an initiative from the Australian university sector, aiming to encourage postgraduate students to practice and develop effective communication skills, as contestants are given only three minutes to explain the importance of their project. Research for the non-specialist public, within the framework of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation’s encouragement of scientific research, and providing the opportunity for young researchers to share innovative ideas.

As in previous years, the Water Week activities included many activities supported by the European Union, aimed at raising awareness of the issue of water conservation and promoting innovative approaches to address pressing challenges in the field of water. These activities included a workshop on a European-Egyptian study on modernizing irrigation, Sustainable financing, the second edition of the Water Governance and Business Forum, organized by the European Union and the Union for the Mediterranean, in cooperation with the Egyptian government, and the annual European Union workshop on technical assistance and support for reforms in the water sector.

On this occasion, the European Union Ambassador to Egypt, Christian Berger, said, “Cairo Water Week serves as an important platform that strengthens Egypt’s position as a regional center for comprehensive water management and knowledge sharing,” and added: “It was a pleasure for me to participate in the high-level strategic dialogue.” , which took place with the Egyptian government, the Union for the Mediterranean, and other concerned parties, during the Water Governance and Business Forum.

“Cairo Water Week” is considered the largest event of its kind in Egypt, the Arab region and Africa, specializing in the field of water. It aims to enhance water awareness, encourage innovations to confront water challenges, learn about global movements and the efforts made to confront these challenges, in addition to identifying modern tools and techniques used. To manage water resources, which has made it the focus of support and attention and the focus of attention of all experts and those concerned with water locally, regionally and internationally.