New york: The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group convened a high-level roundtable on water reuse on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The session brought together over 45 leaders from the public and private sectors, philanthropic organizations, and youth to discuss ways to scale water reuse as a solution to global water scarcity.
According to Emirates News Agency, the roundtable, titled ‘What if Water had a Second Chance? Scaling Reuse to Secure the World’s Future Water’, emphasized the need for urgent action due to the increasing demand for freshwater. The UN reports that four billion people are currently facing water scarcity worldwide, while 80 percent of wastewater in developing countries is released untreated into the environment.
By 2050, it is projected that 70 percent of the global population will reside in cities, with more than 280 large urban centers expected to encounter severe water risks. Participants at the roundtable emphasized that water reuse is not only a sustainability solution but also a catalyst for economic resilience, agricultural productivity, and industrial growth.
The session commenced with keynote speeches from Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Axel van Trotsenburg, the World Bank’s Senior Managing Director. The World Bank Group’s newly launched flagship report, ‘Scaling Water Reuse’, was highlighted, urging bold action to enhance water reuse as a solution to growing water scarcity. The discussions focused on policy reforms, technological innovations, and financing models vital for accelerating adoption. Participants explored ways to scale reuse in municipal and industrial systems and discussed the importance of a global multistakeholder platform and innovative funding mechanisms to facilitate progress.
Dr. Amna Al Dahak remarked that water scarcity is a critical challenge, intertwined with climate, health, and economic stability. She emphasized the UAE’s commitment to global collaboration, innovation, and inclusive dialogue to address this issue. As the world looks toward the 2026 UN Water Conference, she highlighted the need for ambition and tangible, lasting impacts for communities worldwide. Water reuse, she noted, presents an opportunity to redefine how the world values water.
Axel van Trotsenburg stated that water scarcity is already affecting human potential and economic growth in many regions. He emphasized that water reuse offers a practical and scalable solution for reliable water supplies while supporting economic progress. Success, he stressed, relies on strategic partnerships among governments, the private sector, and development partners.
Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, commented on the event, noting that water reuse offers promising opportunities to tackle global water scarcity. By viewing used water as a resource rather than waste, innovative solutions can be unlocked, securing water supplies and promoting economic growth. The roundtable marks a significant step towards the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi and the creation of a global movement to transform water management and valuation.
The roundtable’s comprehensive agenda also included discussions on enhancing national water security through reuse, addressing the risks of ‘Day Zero’ in cities, and engaging the private sector to develop viable reuse projects.