Riyadh \u2013 The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development is set to launch a new Water Observatory aimed at boosting investments in sustainable water solutions across the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Announced at the 16th<\/sup> session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification\u2019s Conference of the Parties (COP16<\/a>) in Riyadh, this initiative is designed to improve data collection and accessibility on water-related projects, Saudi newspaper Arab News<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAddressing water scarcity requires billions in investments, but these resources must be strategically allocated to create meaningful, long-term impact,\u201d said Merza Hassan, senior adviser to the chairman of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy collaborating with regional and global partners from the public and private sectors, as well as financial institutions, we can address overconsumption and ensure water sustainability for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The initiative is aligned with the Fund\u2019s ongoing commitment to combat water scarcity, a critical issue in a region where 12 countries face severe water shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fund\u2019s statement emphasized that the observatory would foster collaboration and attract investments to solve the region\u2019s urgent water management challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more: Translated by Guilherme Miranda<\/strong><\/p>\nCritical issue<\/strong> in Arab region<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>COP16 opens in Riyadh with $2bn to fight drought<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n