Saudi Arabia Solidifies Leadership in Global Water Security at IDWS 2025

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – December 13, 2025 – The 4th Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS) 2025 concluded Wednesday in Jeddah, reaffirming its position as a premier global forum for shaping the future of water management. The conference underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to addressing the world’s escalating water challenges, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful solutions.

Discussions centered on critical themes including financing water infrastructure, scaling innovative technologies, and strengthening governance frameworks. Attendees included senior policymakers, industry leaders, and representatives from organizations like the Singapore Water Authority and the World Bank, signaling the increasing international recognition of IDWS as a vital platform for progress.

The Global Water Crisis: A Looming Threat Demanding Urgent Action

Water scarcity is no longer a distant threat; it’s a present-day reality for billions worldwide. Climate change, population growth, and unsustainable consumption patterns are exacerbating the problem, placing immense strain on already limited resources. The United Nations estimates that nearly two billion people live in water-stressed countries, and this number is projected to rise dramatically in the coming decades.

The IDWS 2025 conference served as a crucial catalyst for addressing these challenges, bringing together diverse stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and forge collaborative partnerships. A key focus was on mobilizing investment in water infrastructure, particularly in regions most vulnerable to water stress.

Singapore’s Innovative Approach to Water Security

Michael Toh, Managing Director of the Singapore Water Association, highlighted Singapore’s remarkable journey towards water independence. Despite lacking natural freshwater resources and experiencing abundant rainfall, Singapore has achieved 100% access to clean drinking water through substantial investment – over US$7 billion in the last five years – in research and development. Their strategy centers on diversifying water sources, including desalination and the groundbreaking NEWater initiative, which reclaims and purifies sewage water to exceed potable standards.

This model offers valuable lessons for other countries grappling with similar challenges, particularly those in arid and semi-arid regions.

Africa’s Water Investment Gap: A Call for Increased Funding

Jaehyang So, Chair of the TEC (Technical Committee) at the Global Water Partnership, emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in water infrastructure across Africa. Despite being one of the fastest-growing continents, Africa currently receives only 1% of global private sector investment in water and infrastructure, leaving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water significantly off track. An estimated US$60 billion is required to achieve water security across the continent.

Recent initiatives, such as the African Union’s Water Investment Programme and a summit in Cape Town, South Africa, have identified US$10-12 billion in potential investment projects. However, scaling these innovations and attracting further funding remains a critical priority.

What role should public-private partnerships play in bridging the water investment gap in Africa? How can we ensure that water infrastructure projects are both sustainable and equitable?

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Water Innovation and Collaboration

His Excellency Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, underscored Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to leading impactful change in the water sector. The Kingdom has signed 27 agreements spanning technology development, capacity building, innovation support, service efficiency, and research collaboration. These agreements, including a collaboration with Taibah Valley and Yokogawa, demonstrate a proactive approach to leveraging technology and expertise to address water challenges.

The inauguration of the SWA Rabigh Water Oasis, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest water innovation oasis, further exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering innovation and real-world impact. The launch of the National Framework for Innovation Partnerships in the Water Sector (Water Strip) signals a long-term commitment to sustainable water management.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Sustainability

• What is the biggest challenge facing global water sustainability?

  The biggest challenge is the combination of increasing demand due to population growth and climate change, coupled with inadequate investment in water infrastructure and sustainable management practices.

• How can technology help address water scarcity?

  Technologies like desalination, water recycling, smart irrigation, and leak detection systems can significantly improve water efficiency and increase water availability.

• What role does international collaboration play in water sustainability?

  International collaboration is crucial for sharing knowledge, best practices, and financial resources to address water challenges, particularly in regions with limited capacity.

• What is NEWater and how does it contribute to water security?

  NEWater is Singapore’s reclaimed sewage water, treated to exceed potable standards. It diversifies water sources and enhances water security in a country with limited natural freshwater resources.

• What is the African Union doing to improve water security on the continent?

  The African Union’s Water Investment Programme aims to mobilize investment in water infrastructure and promote sustainable water management practices across the continent.