Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on December 2, 2024, to attend the prestigious One Water Summit, a key event aimed at addressing global water security challenges. This two-day summit, which runs from December 3 to 4, focuses on critical issues such as deteriorating water quality, increasing scarcity, and the rising frequency of water-related natural disasters. The event has drawn global attention due to its timely importance in tackling the interconnected crises surrounding water resources.
Global Summit to Tackle Water Security
The One Water Summit is part of the One Planet Summit initiative, a global effort designed to create collective strategies to safeguard the planet’s water resources. The summit brings together key international players, including leaders from Saudi Arabia, France, Kazakhstan, and the World Bank, in response to the escalating challenges posed by water insecurity. The summit was first announced at the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference and convenes alongside the 16th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, underscoring the interconnectedness of water scarcity and desertification issues.
The event is also part of a broader international dialogue to strengthen cooperation on water-related concerns and ensure long-term sustainability. As the world faces growing environmental and climatic pressures, the summit’s discussions aim to foster innovative solutions, ranging from enhancing water quality to promoting efficient use and distribution of this precious resource.
Welcoming Ceremony and PM’s Message
Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was received by Riyadh’s Deputy Governor, Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Rehman bin Abdul Aziz. Also accompanying the Prime Minister were Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, along with other Pakistani and Saudi officials, were present to welcome the premier.
In a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Shahbaz described the summit as a “timely event” for countries to collaborate on strategies to combat water security challenges. He emphasized the importance of a united global approach, stating, “Together, we aim to accelerate action to combat desertification, address water pollution, and advocate for local, regional, and global action. Let’s unite in our pursuit for water sustainability!”
Pakistan’s Role in Water Sustainability
During his two-day visit, PM Shahbaz is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a roundtable discussion, where he will highlight Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat water scarcity. The country has been grappling with significant water-related challenges, with depleting groundwater levels, increasing water pollution, and vulnerability to climate change. The Prime Minister will discuss Pakistan’s initiatives to improve climate resilience, boost water resource management, and promote biodiversity to ensure the country’s long-term water sustainability.
Pakistan’s participation in the summit highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the global water crisis while also reinforcing the importance of collaborative action among nations. The premier’s address will reflect Pakistan’s leadership in advocating for water sustainability and the need for shared responsibility in tackling climate and environmental issues.
Diplomatic Engagement and Future Ties
In addition to his involvement in the summit, PM Shahbaz is set to engage in bilateral meetings with several international leaders on the sidelines of the event. These discussions will focus on strengthening diplomatic ties between Pakistan and key global partners, particularly in the areas of climate change, water security, and economic cooperation.
This visit marks PM Shahbaz’s third trip to Saudi Arabia in recent months, following his participation in the Arab-Islamic Summit in November and the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in October 2024. The Prime Minister’s frequent visits underscore the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The One Water Summit serves as an essential platform for discussing and formulating strategies to tackle global water security challenges. As countries like Pakistan continue to face the dual challenges of water scarcity and climate change, collaborative efforts such as this summit are vital to shaping a sustainable future. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s participation emphasizes Pakistan’s role in the global water security dialogue and highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to safeguard this vital resource.
Related Stories:
Saudi Arabia to Invest $5bn in Pakistan: Will it Be Enough to Save Pakistan’s Economy?
Saudi Crown Prince meets Pakistani Premier, emphasizing dialogue between India and Pakistan
Join venture signed to STEM education in Saudi and Pakistan Schools
