Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, took part in the opening of the "Water on 44th: Turning the Tide for SDG 6 and Beyond" event, organized by the Permanent Missions of Egypt and Japan to the United Nations at the Egyptian mission headquarters in New York.
The event was attended by Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ihab Awad, along with ministers, senior officials, representatives of the United Nations system and international organizations, and delegates representing the co-chairs of the other interactive dialogues for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Addressing the event, Sewilam said the event provides an important platform for connecting the global water community with the United Nations system and international decision-makers, helping to support preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. He said the conference represents an important opportunity to accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and to reaffirm the central role of water as the foundation for achieving sustainable development, strengthening climate resilience, protecting the environment, and promoting human well-being.
Sewilam said the day's discussions focus on water scarcity, strengthening drought resilience, and reducing disaster risks at a time when the world is experiencing a "new hydrological reality" as a result of the accelerating impacts of climate change. He said these challenges require a fundamental transformation in water resources management through strengthening resilience, developing early warning systems, climate-informed planning, greater reliance on innovation and technology, restoring ecosystems, and implementing integrated water resources management.
The minister expressed appreciation for the strong partnership with Japan, which is co-chairing with Egypt the third interactive dialogue, "Water for the Planet," as part of the 2026 UN Water Conference. He said Egypt and Japan are committed to ensuring that preparations for the conference are inclusive, practical and implementation-oriented through the launch of an expanded programme of consultations and side events involving a broad range of partners.
The aim is to identify the dialogue's priorities and develop pioneering initiatives that will form a lasting implementation legacy for the conference, extending its impact beyond 2026. The Inauguration of the State Strategic Command Headquarters “The Octagon” in the New Capital President Sisi inaugurates 'Octagon' Strategic Command headquarters in New Capital The Inauguration of the State Strategic Command Headquarters “The Octagon” in the New Capital