Water Security is National Security

Water resources and how they are managed impact almost all aspects of society and the economy, in particular health, food production and security, domestic water supply and sanitation, energy, industry, and the functioning of ecosystems. Under present climate variability, water stress is already high, particularly in many developing countries, and climate change adds even more urgency for action. Without improved water resources management, the progress towards poverty reduction targets, the Millennium Development Goals, and sustainable development in all its economic, social and environ- mental dimensions, will be jeopardized. UN Water.Org

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Abdullah calls world community to give water security top priority

24 March 2011, Abu Dhabi - Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister called on the international community to place the water issue on top of its agenda given the increasing demand for drinking water and climate change. Speaking on the World Water Day, Shaikh Abdullah said ‘ The UAE believes the water issue needs urgent actions.

The water crisis, he affirmed, the crisis can be avoided and prevented. ‘Being a desert country with scarce water resources, the UAE is striving to strike a balance between demand and supply in regards to its drinking water stock,’he noted.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation for sound use of water through a more efficient method, development of new technologies that can help in purification, distribution and protection of water in a way that helps the world address climate change challenges. ‘As we celebrate this day, we are optimistic about our capacity to overcome the crisis if we have the qualities of prudent leadership, cooperation and spirit of innovation.

‘The UAE urges the G 20 - as a platform that addresses tremendous challenges facing the world - to keep the water security at the top of its priority agenda,’he added. More >>>