Doha: Senior policymakers, diplomats, academics, and environmental experts gathered in Doha for a high-level panel discussion addressing one of the region's most pressing challenges: water security. Organized by the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS), the event highlighted the critical importance of water management in the Arab world.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was held in collaboration with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DIGS) and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Defense, and Public Works Authority (Ashghal). Entitled 'Water Security in the Arab World: Development Pathways and Conflict Roots,' the event was inaugurated by HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi.
In his opening remarks, HE Al Khulaifi emphasized the importance of collective cooperation for water security, moving away from conflict and towards partnership. He stressed that water security is fundamentally a human security issue and highlighted the need for sound policies, transparent governance, and regional cooperation. He also pointed out that water can serve as a bridge for cooperation if managed wisely.
The session examined how the Arab world's water scarcity, worsened by climate change, population growth, and energy-intensive desalination, has made water a strategic vulnerability. Speakers noted Qatar's potential to lead in low-carbon desalination and regional cooperation linking water, energy, and food sectors.
The discussion featured prominent local voices, including Dr. Imad Mansour from DIGS, Brigadier Mohammed Yousef Al Jaida from the Qatari Armed Forces, Mohammed Jassim Al Sayegh from Ashghal, and Hammam Osama Abdelghafar from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Sarah de Vaulx from QIASS highlighted the Arab world's capacity for innovation in addressing water challenges, stressing the importance of aligning technological, environmental, and security priorities. Participants echoed findings from QIASS's research study, advocating for collaboration through shared infrastructure and renewable energy integration to transform water scarcity into resilience.
Hesham Elgamiel, Senior Director of Quality Control and Business Development, explained that the panel discussion was part of QIASS's commitment to fostering regional cooperation on security and sustainability issues. He emphasized that water is a security imperative shaping national resilience and regional diplomacy, and QIASS aims to bridge research and policy to reframe water security as a strategic priority.