‘Marrakech Declaration’ Adopted at 19th World Water Congress, Calling for Making Water Global Priority
Marrakech - The 19th World Water Congress concluded on Friday with the adoption of the "Marrakech Declaration," a call to elevate water to the status of a global priority.
The Declaration thus emphasizes the need to make water a global priority at all international platforms, including COP 31, the 2026 UN Water Conference, and the 11th World Water Forum in 2027, given that water security is under threat globally, impacting health, agriculture, energy, ecosystems, and economies, as well as peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
The document highlights the urgent need for innovation and adaptation in water management, in a context marked by increasing pressure on water supply systems resulting from several global challenges such as climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization, soil degradation, and pollution.
Governance and infrastructure development models must evolve to address these complex challenges, notes the Declaration, highlighting the need to promote ethical and responsible innovation in water management in order to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.
The Declaration also calls for investment in climate change adaptation and mitigation, prioritizing resilient water infrastructure and low-carbon solutions such as renewable energy-powered seawater desalination, reuse of wastewater, rainwater harvesting, and improved management of water-related disasters and risks.
It also encourages bolstering bilateral, subregional, regional, international, and multilateral cooperation in the field of water, in particular through the sharing of data, technologies, and expertise.
In addition, the document emphasizes the importance of ensuring participatory water governance through the engagement of all stakeholders, including women, youth, civil society, and local communities, in the design and implementation of solutions to water-related issues.
It is also a matter of raising awareness and promoting scientific research on water, and encouraging the establishment of cooperation and innovation platforms in order to collectively overcome water-related challenges.
The Declaration also urged greater financial resources to be mobilized towards resilient and innovative public and private projects that actively contribute to water security and resilience.
It also spotlights recognition of water’s interconnection with other sectors, integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects into all water resource planning processes, as well as supporting the right to water through policies, practices, and enhanced international cooperation.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 19th edition of the World Water Congress, co-organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment and Water and the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation,” was an opportunity to explore innovative solutions, strategies, and adaptive approaches for water resources in an ever changing world.
The event provided a platform for experts, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to exchange knowledge, present innovative research, establish partnerships, and jointly develop concrete solutions to address the complex challenges of global water governance, security, and sustainability.
Editorial team/le7tv
