By Egypt Today Staff
Cairo – October 15, 2024 – President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi opened the 7th Cairo Water Week on Sunday, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to prioritizing water issues, particularly the Nile River, which is essential for the nation’s survival. This year’s theme is “Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities.”
During his address, Sisi highlighted that the Nile provides over 98% of Egypt’s water needs and safeguarding this resource is crucial for the country’s future. He called for steadfast political commitment and collaboration with neighboring nations to achieve shared water management goals.
Sisi emphasized the need for discussions around large-scale projects on shared rivers, stressing the importance of research and adherence to international water laws, which require prior notification and consultations to prevent harm and ensure sustainability.
“Water is the essence of life and the cornerstone of all progress and development,” Sisi stated, urging the global community to recognize access to water as a fundamental human right.
In a parallel address, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly warned about the potential repercussions of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Egypt during prolonged droughts. He noted that Ethiopia’s unilateral actions could threaten livelihoods for over 1.1 million Egyptians and jeopardize nearly 15% of agricultural land, exacerbating social tensions and illegal immigration.
Madbouly criticized the GERD’s construction, which began over 13 years ago without adequate consultation or studies regarding its impact on neighboring countries, stressing that these actions violate international law and the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
Cairo Water Week 2024 runs from October 13 to 17, coinciding with the 9th Africa Water Week. The event brings together ministers, officials, scientists, and civil society representatives to address pressing water management issues and explore innovative solutions in the face of climate change challenges.