emirates7 - Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), attended the Water Development Financing Forum for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), held at the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) headquarters in Kuwait from January 21st to 22nd.
The event, organized by AFESD and the World Bank Group, brought together MENA representatives, water experts, development organizations, and senior officials to explore technical solutions and innovative financing mechanisms for ensuring water security in the region.
During the panel discussion titled “The Finance Response to Big Picture Challenges,” Al Suwaidi emphasized the critical need for collaborative action and innovative solutions to address water scarcity, especially in the MENA region, which includes 15 of the world’s most water-scarce countries.
He highlighted ADFD’s ongoing commitment to water security, referencing key investments in impactful projects. “By 2030, global water demand is expected to surpass supply by up to 40 percent, making it essential to develop sustainable financing mechanisms for securing water resources for future generations,” he stated.
ADFD has committed AED7.5 billion to over 85 water-related projects across 30 countries, tackling some of the most challenging water issues.
Notable projects include the expansion of Bahrain’s Al Dour water transmission network, increasing its capacity to 50 million gallons per day, and the Kufranja Dam project in Jordan, improving water storage and management in one of the world’s most water-scarce regions.
Al Suwaidi reaffirmed ADFD’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. He also mentioned the UAE’s leadership in global water initiatives, such as the US$150 million pledge announced at COP28 and the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
The ADFD Director-General emphasized the UAE’s commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions through technological innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
“By keeping water management central to sustainable development, we are addressing immediate challenges and creating a resilient future where water scarcity no longer hinders economic growth or community well-being,” he said.
The forum provided a platform for participants to discuss collaboration opportunities, explore potential projects, and promote sustainable water security across the MENA region.
The event, organized by AFESD and the World Bank Group, brought together MENA representatives, water experts, development organizations, and senior officials to explore technical solutions and innovative financing mechanisms for ensuring water security in the region.
During the panel discussion titled “The Finance Response to Big Picture Challenges,” Al Suwaidi emphasized the critical need for collaborative action and innovative solutions to address water scarcity, especially in the MENA region, which includes 15 of the world’s most water-scarce countries.
He highlighted ADFD’s ongoing commitment to water security, referencing key investments in impactful projects. “By 2030, global water demand is expected to surpass supply by up to 40 percent, making it essential to develop sustainable financing mechanisms for securing water resources for future generations,” he stated.
ADFD has committed AED7.5 billion to over 85 water-related projects across 30 countries, tackling some of the most challenging water issues.
Notable projects include the expansion of Bahrain’s Al Dour water transmission network, increasing its capacity to 50 million gallons per day, and the Kufranja Dam project in Jordan, improving water storage and management in one of the world’s most water-scarce regions.
Al Suwaidi reaffirmed ADFD’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. He also mentioned the UAE’s leadership in global water initiatives, such as the US$150 million pledge announced at COP28 and the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
The ADFD Director-General emphasized the UAE’s commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions through technological innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
“By keeping water management central to sustainable development, we are addressing immediate challenges and creating a resilient future where water scarcity no longer hinders economic growth or community well-being,” he said.
The forum provided a platform for participants to discuss collaboration opportunities, explore potential projects, and promote sustainable water security across the MENA region.