From Istanbul to Riyadh: How is the World Repositioning its Water Priorities?

Dr. Ammar Abkar Abdullah
At a pivotal international moment, the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum commenced in Turkey on Tuesday, May 5th , and concludes today, Wednesday. It carries a clear and undeniable message: “Water security is no longer a technical matter to be managed within the confines of expert circles, but has become a global political priority directly linked to stability, development, and peace.” This forum serves as an important preparatory step towards the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled to be held in Riyadh in 2027… where attention is turning to a new phase in which global water resource management priorities will be redefined.
In his address at the forum, Mr. Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, presented a comprehensive vision reflecting the essence of the ongoing transformation. He affirmed that water security in all its dimensions represents a fundamental global priority, but emphasized that the real challenge is no longer a lack of technical solutions, but rather “a weakness in political commitment and a lack of effective coordination between governments and institutions.”
His striking phrase, “Taps before guns,” was not merely a description, but a clear call to rearrange global priorities, so that investment in water is viewed as an investment in peace and stability above all other considerations.
This approach places countries, especially those facing increasing water pressures, before a direct responsibility to move from crisis management to building proactive policies based on cooperation and political will.
In the same vein, the participation of the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sweilem, translated this vision into practical positions reflecting a significant development in regional discourse. The Egyptian message emphasized that “achieving water security cannot be done in isolation from transboundary cooperation, and that this cooperation must be based on the principles of international law, mutual understanding, and achieving shared benefit without harming any party.” It also stressed the importance of integrating water resources issues into the climate action agenda and strengthening multilateral action, clearly indicating that water resources management is no longer a purely national matter, but has become part of an interconnected global system that requires a high level of political and institutional coordination.
In a parallel and equally important development, Senegal has emerged as a pivotal player in African water diplomacy, thanks to its leading role in continental cooperation. Meetings between the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation and his Senegalese counterpart on the sidelines of the Istanbul Water Forum underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries as a strategic partnership within the African water framework. Senegal’s significance is further highlighted by its role as a co-host of the 2026 UN Water Conference, granting it a central role in shaping the upcoming global water agenda.
The importance of continued coordination between Egypt and Senegal in various international events related to water and climate was also emphasized, contributing to practical and applicable outcomes at the 2026 UN Water Conference. This cooperation gains further significance through Senegal’s leading role in the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), where it plays a key role in advancing the African water agenda, alongside joint efforts with Egypt and other member states to implement the African Union’s Water Agenda 2063.
This dynamic positions Senegal as a pivotal diplomatic platform connecting Africa and the world on water issues, opening the door to broader coordination on water security, climate adaptation, and shared basin management.
Towards Riyadh 2027: Reshaping the Global Water System:
With the 11th World Water Forum approaching, scheduled to be hosted by the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the importance of these transformations is growing. The forum is expected to serve as a global platform for reshaping the rules of water cooperation and setting priorities for the next phase, particularly in light of the challenges associated with climate change, population growth, and increasing demand for resources. This international context presents genuine opportunities for countries to reposition themselves, not only by showcasing their experiences but also by contributing to shaping the global agenda itself.

Sudan: An Opportunity for Repositioning Not to be Missed:
For Sudan, this moment holds profound strategic significance. With its pivotal location in the Nile Basin and its considerable water and agricultural resources, Sudan is not merely a party affected by regional dynamics, but possesses the potential to be a key player in shaping them. However, the fundamental challenge lies not so much in the abundance of resources as in how to manage them within a comprehensive national vision that elevates the water issue to the level of a sovereign decision.
The messages conveyed by the Istanbul Forum, both in its global discourse and its regional approach, clearly indicate that the next phase will be built on the foundation of political will, institutional cooperation, and effective water diplomacy.
The role of Sudanese institutions concerned with water issues is also highlighted here, foremost among them the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, through its Water and Natural Resources Department, as the central body leading water diplomacy and enhancing Sudan’s presence on regional and international platforms. The Sudanese Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul also play a crucial role in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting the outcomes of international forums to decision-makers, as well as building bridges of communication with key players in global water governance. Similarly, the Sudanese Embassy in Riyadh is gaining increasing importance as the 11th World Water Forum approaches, and the Sudanese Embassy in Dakar serves as a strategic gateway for engagement with the African continent, particularly given Senegal’s growing role in leading the agenda of African Waters.
Conclusion: The Water Decision is Primarily a Political One:
In conclusion… a new global trajectory is emerging between Istanbul and Riyadh, one whose defining characteristic is that water is no longer merely a natural resource, but has become a cornerstone of stability and a tool for cooperation or competition, depending on how it is managed. Sudan, standing at the crossroads of these transformations, has a genuine opportunity to be part of shaping this trajectory, provided it accurately interprets international messages and translates them into effective national policies. The decision, in its essence, is no longer purely technical, but has become a strategic political one that determines a nation’s place on the map of the future.

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