Jeddah, Oct 22 (V7N) – Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ministry of Water Resources of Bangladesh, called on member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to work collectively to ensure water security and sustainable water management.
Speaking at the fifth session of the Islamic Conference of Water Ministers in Jeddah on Wednesday, she said, “Water is not just a natural resource; it forms the foundation of life, development, and peace. Addressing the global water crisis requires unified action and mutual cooperation among OIC countries to secure a sustainable water future.”
Rizwana Hasan highlighted the impacts of climate change, noting that coastal salinity is increasing, groundwater levels are declining, and freshwater sources are becoming polluted, creating an urgent threat to water security. “To meet these challenges, OIC member states must enhance joint research, share experiences, and invest in sustainable water management solutions,” she said.
On the sidelines of the conference, Rizwana Hasan held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadli. During the discussion, she sought Saudi cooperation in implementing rainwater harvesting projects and establishing climate-resilient water supply systems for Bangladesh’s saline-affected coastal regions.
She emphasized that the Bangladesh government is eager to build long-term partnerships with OIC member countries. Strengthening regional collaboration in water governance, capacity building, and information sharing will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she added.
The Bangladesh delegation also included Dr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division of the Planning Commission, and Dr. Md. Khairul Islam, Superintending Engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
The OIC conference brought together ministers and high-level representatives from member states to discuss water security, transboundary water management, and innovative measures for sustainable water resource management.
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