Adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, has said that it is imperative for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries to work jointly to ensure water security, sustainable use, and access to water for all.
Speaking today at the Fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers in charge of Water held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, she said, “Water is not just a natural resource; it is the foundation of life, development, and peace. A sustainable water future can only be ensured through the united initiatives and mutual cooperation of OIC countries in addressing the global water crisis.”
The adviser further said, “Climate change, increasing salinity in coastal areas, declining groundwater levels, and freshwater pollution are taking a severe turn day by day. To address these challenges, joint research, experience sharing, and increased investment in sustainable water management among OIC countries are necessary.”
On the sidelines of the conference, Syeda Rizwana Hasan held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley. During the meeting, she sought the Saudi government’s cooperation for rain water harvesting and climate-resilient water supply systems in the saline coastal areas of Bangladesh.
She also said, “The Bangladesh government is keen to build long-term partnerships with OIC member countries to strengthen regional cooperation in water governance, capacity building, and information exchange.” She noted that mutual cooperation among Muslim countries can play a vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other members of the Bangladesh delegation included Dr Md Mustafizur Rahman, Member (Secretary), Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division, Planning Commission, and Dr. Md. Khairul Islam, Superintending Engineer, Bangladesh Water Development Board.
Ministers and high-level representatives from member countries participated in this conference organised by the OIC and discussed new innovative measures for ensuring water security, transboundary water management, and sustainable water management.
