Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam asserted on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Egypt’s appreciation for Finland’s role in supporting water-related issues at the international level, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation and exchanging views between Egypt and Finland in a manner that contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing the interlinkages among water, climate, food and energy.
The remarks came during a virtual meeting between Sewilam and Finland’s Special Envoy for Water Antti Rautavaara in the presence of Finland’s Ambassador to Egypt Riikka Eela as part of continued consultations and coordination on water issues and preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
Regarding preparations for the UN Water Conference, Sewilam expressed Egypt’s appreciation for Finland’s role in leading the fourth interactive dialogue on transboundary water cooperation. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the concept note reflects the established principles governing cooperation in this field, foremost among them the principles of causing no harm, prior notification and consultation.
He also underscored the importance of coordination among the conference’s various interactive dialogues, including the ideas that Egypt and Japan are developing within the framework of the interactive dialogue titled “Water for the Planet.” These include issues related to the water cycle and green water, a roadmap for water within the Rio Conventions, early warning systems and disaster risk reduction and strengthening communities’ capacity to adapt.
The minister welcomed Finland’s planned participation in the Ninth Cairo Water Week, scheduled to take place next October. He noted that a specialized program on the UN Water Conference is being prepared as part of the week, with the aim of promoting convergence and coordination among the various interactive dialogues, exchanging views on the initiatives being proposed and developing a common vision for preparations for the conference.
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