Post by : Badri Ariffin

At the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, themed “Strengthening Water Resilience: Innovation to Action,” Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, highlighted the need for global cooperation.

The event convened ministers, officials, international organizations, and experts to tackle pressing water challenges, focusing on key areas like technology, finance, agriculture, health, and collaborative water management.

Balalaa participated in a significant ministerial dialogue titled “Paradigm Shift in a Changing World: Water and the Bridging Power of Istanbul,” which addressed enhanced valuation and management of water, emphasizing cooperation and innovation.

In his address, Balalaa reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to international water cooperation, pointing out the vital role of water diplomacy in transforming challenges into beneficial partnerships.

He also announced that the UAE will co-host the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference alongside Senegal, aiming for the event to yield tangible results and foster partnerships catering to various nation's needs.

Following the forum, Balalaa engaged in meetings with Turkish officials to discuss enhancing cooperation in water resilience, energy, and sustainability initiatives.

He also attended a private ministerial roundtable on “Dialogue on Water Resilience,” chaired by, İbrahim Yumaklı, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye, which focused on national water risks and policy initiatives, underlining the need for regional and global collaboration.

Balalaa commended Türkiye for organizing the forum, expressing that its insights will influence major international events, including the 2026 UN Water Conference and COP31 in Antalya.

He concluded that water resilience is a top priority for the UAE and a collective global responsibility, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Türkiye, Senegal, and global partners for a sustainable future.

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