Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator and WHO Representative in Kuwait, Dr Asad Hafeez
Attendees at the panel discussion on water scarcity around the world at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences. – KUNA photos
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KFAS hosts high-level panel on global water scarcity crisis
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) held a panel discussion on Tuesday addressing the pressing global issue of water scarcity, shedding light on its far-reaching consequences and highlighting potential solutions. The session was attended by representatives from the UAE Embassy in Kuwait, the United Nations and its agencies, along with regional and international experts.
In a press statement, KFAS emphasized the urgent need for water scarcity to be treated as a global priority, citing its direct threat to human security, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. The panel was inaugurated by UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Matar Al-Neyadi, who underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling the escalating crisis. Dr Al-Neyadi referenced a UAE-sponsored research paper presented in 2023, titled “Consecutive Repercussions: Water Scarcity – The Hidden Threat to the World’s Security and Prosperity.” The paper outlines the urgent need for coordinated global action, warning that more than 2.2 billion people are already affected by insufficient access to water.
“The accelerating severity of water scarcity is an alarming global development that demands a unified and decisive response,” Dr Al-Neyadi said. He warned that inaction could result in humanitarian disasters, including mass displacement, economic collapse and armed conflict. He outlined the wide-ranging consequences of water scarcity, such as inadequate access to clean drinking water, food insecurity, deteriorating sanitation, disease outbreaks and ecosystem degradation. “No country is immune to the cascading effects of this crisis,” he added.
Dr Al-Neyadi also pointed to key drivers exacerbating the crisis, including rapid population growth, urbanization, inefficient agricultural practices, insufficient infrastructure for water distribution and desalination, and the impacts of climate change such as rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. Despite its critical importance, water scarcity received only 6 percent of media and public discourse between July 2022 and July 2023, he noted, underscoring the objective of the session to raise awareness on this global issue.
He proposed a multi-pronged approach to mitigation, including investment in water storage and transport infrastructure, adoption of technologies such as desalination, wastewater reuse, atmospheric water extraction, and cloud seeding. He also advocated for improved irrigation techniques, public education on water conservation, and adoption of water-efficient appliances. Representing the United Nations in Kuwait, Acting Resident Coordinator and WHO Representative Dr Asad Hafeez described water scarcity as “one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time,” especially for arid regions such as the Gulf.
Dr Hafeez highlighted ongoing UN initiatives, including the appointment of the first-ever Special Envoy for Water and the prioritization of water issues at international conferences such as COP16 on desertification and COP29 on climate change. He pointed to the UN’s Integrated Monitoring and Response Initiative, which has strengthened data collection and tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation).
Citing positive developments, Dr Hafeez noted that water-use efficiency increased by 19 percent between 2015 and 2021, while access to safely managed drinking water rose from 69 percent to 73 percent. However, he cautioned that the world remains off track to achieve SDG 6 by 2030, with 2.2 billion people still lacking access to clean water and over 5.3 billion lacking adequate sanitation.
He also pointed out that global water stress levels have risen by 3 percent since 2015 and that only 43 of 153 countries with shared water basins have effective cooperation agreements in place. Additionally, water-related development aid declined by 5 percent between 2015 and 2022, further hampering global progress. “To close these gaps, we must act across five priority areas,” Dr Hafeez stated, highlighting the need for better-targeted investments, robust data systems, enhanced capacity-building, adoption of smart technologies, and strengthened cross-border governance.
He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to advancing water security in Kuwait and globally, calling for inclusive efforts to secure sustainable water access for future generations. The session concluded with a series of panel discussions featuring diplomats, researchers, and water experts from organizations including Kuwait University, the World Bank, the United Nations, and KFAS, fostering dialogue on regional and international strategies to mitigate water scarcity. — KUNA
KUWAIT: Zain announced its sponsorship and participation in the Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week (KSEW), held in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). At the event, Zain showcased its efforts in leveraging technological innovation to support sustainability goals and reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy.
Zain took part in the opening ceremony, attended by the event’s patron, Dr Subeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, alongside Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, ministry officials, company executives, and a distinguished group of local and international experts in energy and sustainability. This participation came as part of Zain’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in national initiatives aimed at reinforcing the principles of sustainability and digital transformation. The company firmly believes in the importance of harnessing modern technologies to serve Kuwait’s environmental and developmental objectives.
Minister Al-Mukhaizeem explores Zain’s sustainable solutions at the company’s booth.
Al-Gharabally with Zain’s team at the company’s booth in the exhibition.
During the event, Zain hosted a dedicated booth at the accompanying exhibition, where it showcased a range of its latest ICT solutions that support sustainable goals. These included innovations in smart cities, smart meters, and other solutions that help reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. The company’s support to this national initiative reflects its continued role as a strategic government partner in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy. It also highlighted Zain Group’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global and regional efforts to combat climate change.
Zain also took the opportunity to highlight its Smart Meters Project, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and Water back in 2017. The project marked a key milestone in upgrading Kuwait’s energy infrastructure and paved the way for the adoption of further smart and sustainable solutions nationwide. The company reiterated its support for initiatives and projects that advance the future of clean energy and contribute to building a comprehensive national sustainability ecosystem. It emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains the optimal path to achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.
Zain has set strategic targets to reduce its carbon footprint and aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To this end, the company continues to explore cutting-edge technologies such as 5.5G, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, which can help minimize the environmental impact of the ICT sector. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy initiatives, Zain recently installed a solar panel setup at the outdoor car park in its headquarters. The initiative promotes the use of clean energy to contribute to powering the company’s buildings and reducing its carbon emissions.
Reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the journey toward a sustainable digital economy
KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. – KUNA
KUWAIT: Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. Speaking to KUNA on Saturday, Al-Ali attributed the unstable weather conditions to the extension of a surface depression accompanied by a hot and dry air mass. This has led to rising temperatures, soil disintegration, and an increase in airborne dust.
He urged citizens and residents, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies, to wear protective masks when heading outdoors. Al-Ali also cautioned beachgoers about high sea waves, which may reach up to seven feet, and advised highway users to exercise extreme caution due to poor visibility. The official further called on the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts by following the Meteorology Department through its official website, mobile application, and social media platforms. — KUNA
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