Successful Kickoff of the 11th World Water Forum: Stakeholders Unite in Riyadh to Shape the Future of Global Water Solutions
Riyadh, April 2025 — The journey toward the 11th World Water Forum officially began in Riyadh, where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the World Water Council co-hosted the Kickoff and First Stakeholders Meeting. Over 600 participants from 60 countries and organizations gathered to launch the Forum’s preparatory process, setting the stage for the world’s largest international event dedicated to water, scheduled for 2027.
This first gathering was a major success, offering a unique opportunity for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration among global stakeholders. For two days, participants met in person to share ideas and priorities, reinforcing the belief that water is one of the defining issues of our century.
The agenda included three core tracks: political, regional, and thematic processes. Each process had a dedicated session to begin shaping the content and priorities for the Forum.
Advancing the Political and Regional Agenda
In the political session, high-level representatives held a closed discussion on how to elevate water as a global priority. They highlighted the need for stronger coordination across political levels, inclusion of end users in decision-making, and long-term planning for key global water events in 2026 and 2027. Collaboration, resilience, and investment were underscored as essential principles.
The regional process session focused on sharing common purposes and functions of different regional actors in the Forum dynamics. Among many, identifying regional priorities and local practices was highlighted as the main aim of the process. By having this session, potential Forum regional stakeholders explored how to strengthen cooperation within and between regions, address common challenges with local implementation of solutions, and amplify the political voice of water in their respective regions through the regional process.
Thematic Foundations for the Forum
The heart of the Forum's content—the thematic process—was launched through six breakout sessions. Participants exchanged ideas and began shaping potential topics for six themes: Water Security, Water Finance, Water Diplomacy, Water for Humans and Nature, Value of Water, and Innovation for Water. These sessions encouraged fresh thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and helped establish a common framework for continued engagement throughout the Forum’s preparatory process.
These discussions laid the foundation for the knowledge and solutions that will guide the Forum’s development over the next two years.
High-Level Engagement and Visionary Statements
The event was opened with inspiring remarks from key leaders in global water governance:
Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia:
“Water is a national priority, and global cooperation is key to a sustainable future.”
Dr. Abdulaziz AlShaibani, Deputy Minister of Water, Saudi Arabia:
“We must join forces across all global water events ahead, building on past experience to tackle shared challenges.”
Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council:
“Water is politics, water is diplomacy, nations must collaborate for change.”
Eric Tardieu, Vice President of the World Water Council:
“Solutions exist, now is the time to engage, integrate, and act beyond silos to drive sustainable change together.”
A Promising Start and a Call to Action
The Riyadh meeting was a resounding success—not only in its scale and organization, but in the spirit of unity and determination that filled the discussions. The Saudi hospitality was widely praised, and in-person interactions helped build the trust and understanding essential for long-term collaboration.
This meeting is only the beginning. Stakeholders are encouraged to continue participating in the Forum's preparatory processes. It is still possible to bring your voice, your expertise, and your commitment to help shape the 11th World Water Forum in 2027.
We extend sincere thanks to all participants and contributors. Stay connected and informed by following the World Water Council and upcoming Forum activities.
Together, let us build a sustainable water future for all.