As the world marks World Water Day on March 22, 2024, the Saudi Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) emerges as a leader in combating water scarcity and advocating for international collaboration. In line with the United Nations’ theme for this year, ‘Water for Peace’, SWCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering cooperation and sustainability in water management on a global scale.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary as the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, SWCC remains steadfast in its commitment to employing innovative technologies and forging strategic partnerships to tackle water scarcity challenges worldwide.
World Water Day serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for water cooperation on a global scale. According to the United Nations, over three billion people rely on water sources that traverse national boundaries. Despite this interdependence, only a fraction of countries sharing water resources have formal cooperation agreements in place.
Addressing these challenges, SWCC stresses the urgency of promoting dialogue and collaboration among nations to effectively address water-related issues. Through initiatives such as technology innovation and knowledge-sharing, SWCC aims to advance sustainable water management practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.
His Excellency Engineer Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, Governor of SWCC and Deputy Chairman of the SWCC Board, emphasised the corporation’s broader mission beyond providing desalinated water. “Our mission at SWCC goes beyond providing desalinated water; it is about safeguarding this vital resource for future generations. Through global collaboration and visionary leadership, we are shaping the water sector’s future,” he stated.
In a significant move towards global water security, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, announced the establishment of a Global Water Organisation in Riyadh in September 2023. This organisation aims to integrate and support efforts made by governments and other bodies to ensure sustainable global water management.
The newly established Global Water Organisation will facilitate the exchange of expertise, promote technological advancements, foster innovation, and share research and development experiences. It will also prioritise funding high-priority projects, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s commitment of $6 billion to water and sanitation projects across four continents.
Furthermore, SWCC’s Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA) continues its dedication to identifying solutions to significant challenges in the environmental and water domains. Established in 1987, WTIIRA plays a crucial role in advancing water research and development.
Engaging with the international community, SWCC actively participates in global events such as the 10th World Water Forum in Bali and the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Toronto. Additionally, the Kingdom is set to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, further emphasising its commitment to global water cooperation.
