To strengthen the cooperation between Islamic countries for the protection of water resources and common development, ROmina Khurshid Alam
Islamabad (News Reporter)
Federal Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, inaugurated a two-day networking conference on the best water centers in Islamic countries at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad on Monday.
In her address, she emphasized the importance of water conservation and management at the global level, stating that the conference aims to strengthen cooperation among Islamic countries to protect water resources and promote joint development.
The conference was attended by heads of water centers from various Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and Russia.
Additionally, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokhar, and a large number of experts on water conservation and management also participated in the conference.
Romina Khurshid Alam said that the effects of climate change are increasing pressure on water resources worldwide, and developing countries like Pakistan are facing this challenge.
She emphasized that cooperation and exchange of information among Islamic countries’ water centers ensure that water resources are managed more effectively and common issues are resolved.
She also stated that Pakistan is facing a growing water scarcity issue, which can only be addressed through international cooperation.
Addressing the conference participants, she said, “We need to adopt a comprehensive strategy for water conservation that helps address this crisis at both national and international levels.”
Romina Khurshid Alam urged OIC member states to prioritize water conservation in their climate action strategies, strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in water management, promote public-private partnerships for investment in water-saving technologies, and mobilize international climate finance for large-scale water projects.
She highlighted that the impacts of floods, droughts, and glacier melting are having devastating effects on water security and economic stability.
“The 2022 devastating floods displaced millions of people, while prolonged droughts are affecting our agricultural production,” she added.
Pakistan is ready to work with its OIC partners to develop joint solutions, exchange research, and create a water-strong future for all, she said.
During the conference, heads of water centers from different countries shared their experiences and ideas and discussed joint projects.
The two-day conference aims to promote joint strategies for better management of water resources and conservation in Islamic countries.
This conference is an important opportunity for Pakistan, which will not only strengthen cooperation with Islamic countries but also consolidate Pakistan’s role in water conservation and management at the global level.
