Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, said that CWW in its sixth edition solidifies Egypt’s position as a hub for water management, water resource management for Africa, North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Director-General for the Environment, Fink-Hooijer said:

'I am delighted that the EU and Egypt are continuing a very constructive dialogue and collaboration in a strategic area of environment. On many topics, such as biodiversity, water, circular economy, waste and plastic, we share the same objectives and we will work closely together on the solutions.'

The European Union Delegation to Egypt organised a number of high-level events during the CWW 2023, including the EU-Egypt Water Business Forum and the fifth EU-UfM-AFDB Water Investment Policy Forum, which served as a dialogue platform for policymakers and stakeholders to improve water finance and investment policies in the Mediterranean region and Africa.  

'The dialogues this year emphasised the integration of partnership strategies relating to water and food security. This collaborative framework aims to optimise development finance, leveraging the support of the EU and European Financing Institutions', said Ambassador Berger.

The EU Delegation also hosted the first round of the Aqua Youth Dialogues on November 1st, which included debates between EU JEEL CONNECTORS on "The Future of Water Conservation and Management". The Dialogue also included a business start-up competition in which aspiring young entrepreneurs presented their water-related business start-up ideas and seek guidance from a jury comprised of seasoned business leaders and advisors.

The Cairo Water Week took an increased significance this year as it follows the completion of the first global stocktake, the primary tool for assessing progress under the Paris Agreement. It also came ahead of COP 28, set to develop a plan to accelerate climate action. 

Key takeaways from Cairo Water Week 2023 are:

1. Strengthening Egypt's role: The week underscored Egypt's emergence as an international nexus for Integrated Water Management, exemplified by the high-level policy dialogues with the government and Team Europe.
2. Fostering structured dialogue: It established a leading platform for government, development partners, and private sector collaboration, enhancing investment climate and business environment in the region.
3. Enhanced collaboration and partnerships: One of the primary outcomes is in the establishment of partnerships among nations, regional bodies, NGOs, and private entities to tackle water-related challenges.
4. Innovation and technology advancements: The event also emphasised the role of innovation and technology in addressing water issues. Throughout events such as the first EU Aqua dialogues and EU Water talents competitions Cairo, the Water Week showcased new water technologies and supported young entrepreneurs.

More information:

·         Cairo Water Week 2023 official website

·         Closing Remarks: Ambassador Berger at Cairo Water Week 2023

·         EU efforts on the global water agenda 

·         EU action on water 

·         Director-General Fink-Hooijer at Cairo Water Week