PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges Global Action to Combat Water Scarcity at Riyadh Summit

PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges Global Action to Combat Water Scarcity at Riyadh Summit

Riyadh, December 4, 2024 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed a critical session on water security at the Global Sustainability Summit in Riyadh today, calling for urgent international cooperation to tackle the growing water scarcity crisis. Speaking to a distinguished audience of world leaders, environmental experts, and policymakers, the Pakistani premier highlighted the escalating challenges posed by dwindling water resources, emphasizing the need for immediate and collective action.

A Global Crisis in the Making

In his address, PM Shehbaz described water scarcity as a "silent emergency" that threatens billions of people worldwide. He stressed that the issue transcends borders, affecting countries of all sizes and levels of development. "Water is not just a necessity for life; it is the lifeblood of our economies, the cornerstone of food security, and a critical element in maintaining peace and stability," the Prime Minister said.

Drawing attention to the latest UN reports, PM Shehbaz noted that nearly 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and an additional 4 billion experience severe water shortages at least one month a year. He warned that without urgent intervention, these numbers are set to worsen due to climate change, population growth, and inefficient resource management.

Pakistan's Experience: A Case Study

Highlighting Pakistan's own struggles with water scarcity, the Prime Minister shared insights into the country’s challenges. Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed nations in the world, facing severe shortages exacerbated by rapid urbanization, climate change, and outdated irrigation practices.

"Pakistan's per capita water availability has declined drastically from 5,260 cubic meters in 1951 to less than 1,000 cubic meters today," he stated, labeling it a dire situation for a country where agriculture constitutes a major portion of the economy.

PM Shehbaz underscored the devastating impacts of the 2022 floods in Pakistan, which submerged one-third of the country, displacing millions and destroying critical water infrastructure. He pointed out that such extreme weather events, alternating with prolonged droughts, demonstrate the urgent need for global adaptation and resilience measures.

A Call for Collective Action

The Prime Minister proposed a four-pronged strategy to address the crisis:

1. Investing in Water Infrastructure: PM Shehbaz called for significant investment in the construction and modernization of dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems to ensure sustainable water storage and usage.

2. Promoting Water Diplomacy: He advocated for fostering cooperation among nations sharing transboundary water resources. "Water disputes should be a platform for dialogue, not conflict," he remarked, referencing Pakistan's experience with the Indus Waters Treaty.

3. Leveraging Technology: Emphasizing innovation, the Prime Minister suggested adopting advanced water-saving technologies and data-driven approaches to improve water management and reduce wastage.

4. Enhancing Global Financing: PM Shehbaz urged the international community to establish a dedicated global fund for water security, akin to climate funds, to assist developing nations in addressing water challenges.

Riyadh Summit: A Turning Point

The Riyadh summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, has brought together leaders from over 50 countries to discuss pressing environmental issues, including climate change, renewable energy, and water sustainability. The summit serves as a platform for forging global partnerships and setting actionable targets for the years ahead.

During his speech, PM Shehbaz commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership for organizing the event and highlighted the Kingdom's ambitious efforts to combat desertification and promote water conservation through its "Green Saudi" and "Green Middle East" initiatives.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

PM Shehbaz concluded his address by reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to contributing to global sustainability goals. He emphasized that achieving water security is critical not only for Pakistan but for the global community at large.

"The time for rhetoric has passed; now is the time for action. We must work together to ensure that water scarcity does not become the defining crisis of our time," he urged, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

As the Riyadh summit progresses, experts hope that PM Shehbaz’s impassioned plea will inspire nations to prioritize water security on the global agenda, fostering cooperation to ensure sustainable water resources for generations to come.