Romina Khurshid Alam Urges OIC Member States to Prioritize Water Security in Climate Action
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, urged the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to prioritize water security in their climate action plans. She emphasized the need for better cooperation on water governance, investment in water-efficient technologies, and mobilizing climate finance for large-scale water projects.
Speaking at the “Networking of Water Centers of Excellence in OIC Member States” event, Alam highlighted the challenges OIC countries face due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and water scarcity.
Representatives of water centers from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and Russia, attended the event.
Alam stressed the importance of collaboration, especially among nations sharing transboundary water resources, and pointed out that many OIC countries are among the most water-stressed globally. She also addressed the devastating impacts of floods, droughts, and glacial melt on water security and economic stability, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to water conservation.
Alam called for stronger partnerships in research and innovation to tackle water scarcity, advocating for data-driven policies, AI-based monitoring, and better sharing of knowledge. She proposed the creation of an OIC Water Security Forum to discuss water-sharing agreements and mobilize resources for large-scale projects. Alam also emphasized nature-based solutions like reforestation, wetland restoration, and floodwater harvesting to improve water security.
Concluding her speech, Alam highlighted Pakistan’s efforts, such as the Recharge Pakistan project, and called for collective action to secure a sustainable water future. She urged OIC member states to unite in their commitment to water security, turning challenges into opportunities for a resilient and sustainable future.
APP/ER
