Irrigation minister discusses water priorities ahead of 2026 UN conference

Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam discussed coordinating positions and priorities on global water issues with Mediterranean Water Institute President Alain Meyssonnier ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ninth Cairo Water Week and focused on strengthening consultation among water institutions and aligning positions on key issues expected to feature at the conference.

Sewilam said preparations should focus on coordinating messages and priorities across the conference’s various tracks to ensure practical, implementable outcomes that reflect countries’ water needs and challenges.

He noted that Egypt and Japan would co-chair the interactive dialogue on “Water for the Planet” at the 2026 UN Water Conference.

The dialogue will address the links between water, climate change, land degradation and biodiversity, with the aim of strengthening coordination among international efforts to address environmental and water-related challenges.

Sewilam called for continued consultations with international partners and water institutions during the final preparatory phase to bring positions closer together and help translate discussions into actionable outcomes.