CAIRO – 12 October 2025: In his opening speech at the 8th edition of “Cairo Water Week”, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi anounced that Egypt will defend its water rights and take all necessary measures to protect its water security in the face of Ethiopia's irresponsible approach
The President added that Egypt clearly and firmly declares its absolute rejection of any unilateral measures taken on the Nile River that disregard international norms and agreements, threaten the interests of the peoples of the basin, and undermine the foundations of justice and stability.
President Sisi stated that just days after the Ethiopian dam was inaugurated, concrete evidence emerged supporting Egypt's call for a legally binding agreement between the involved parties to govern the dam's operation.
The CWW saw broad participation from ministers, decision-makers, international experts, representatives of international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Below is the full text of the President’s speech:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Your Excellencies, Ministers
Heads of Delegations,
Representatives of Delegations and Organizations,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Egypt, the land of Al-Kinana, the gift of the Nile, the land of the eternal river, the lifeline that connects our past, present, and the future of our generations, on the occasion of the 8th edition of Cairo Water Week. This annual event has become an intellectual beacon and a global hub for dialogue and cooperation, where visions meet and willpower align around a vital issue, water protection, which is the secret of life and the essence of existence.
This event is held under the theme: “Innovative Solutions for Climate Resilience and Water Sustainability, stemming from our belief that the water issue is no longer merely a local or regional issue, but a global one requiring intensified international cooperation and concerted efforts to find innovative and sustainable solutions for this vital resource.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The world is facing complex and multifaceted challenges related to increasing demand for water, water scarcity, the inadequacy of water treatment and clean water supply projects, and the mismanagement of water resources, in addition to the severe consequences of climate change and the pressing need to enhance transboundary cooperation in managing shared resources.
Our African continent is not immune to these challenges. It is the second driest continent in the world, with over 300 million African citizens struggling to access clean drinking water, according to United Nations reports. This constitutes an existential crisis, in light of climate change, limited capabilities, and a lack of effective solutions.
Our Arab world is among the most water-scarce regions globally, heavily dependent on water sources that originate beyond its borders.
Distinguished guests,
Egypt faces significant challenges in the water sector. Water is considered an existential issue that affects the lives of over 100 million citizens, who 98% depend on a single source that originates outside the borders, the Nile River.
Egypt is classified among the most water-scarce countries. The annual rainfall average does not exceed 1.3 billion cubic meters, while the per capita share amounts to about 500 cubic meters annually; meaning half of the global water poverty line.
From this standpoint, the provision of clean water holds a top position on Egypt’s national agenda particularly in light of the rapid population growth, rising demand for resources, and the climate change threats to the Nile Delta and our northern coasts.
In response to these challenges, a new generation of water management systems has emerged in Egypt, reflecting a shift toward integrated and sustainable water resource management. This generation began with projects focused on the reuse of agricultural drainage water, through the establishment of three major treatment plants: Bahr El-Baqar, Al-Mahsama, and New Delta, that are among the largest water reuse projects in the world and have contributed to providing additional water resources to support agricultural expansion and land reclamation.
Efforts also included the rehabilitation of canal networks to enhance the efficiency of water conveyance and distribution, along with the expansion of modern irrigation systems. Furthermore, projects have been implemented to protect coastlines and boost our ability to adapt to climate change.
This is in addition to managing water resources using the latest technologies, representing a major shift toward smart and sustainable water management, by integrating technology and innovation across all stages of water management.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
These national efforts will not bear fruit without effective international cooperation that guarantees the human right to clean water, as a fundamental right and an embodiment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
From this standpoint, Egypt has been keen to include the water issue among the international community's priorities. For the first time, water issues were included in global climate conferences during Egypt's hosting of the Climate Summit (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022.
During the summit, Egypt launched the “Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience (AWARe)” initiative in cooperation with UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization. The initiative aims to strengthen regional and international partnerships and support developing countries in addressing water and climate challenges through projects that reflect Africa's aspirations, the hopes of the Arab peoples, and the aspirations of the countries of the South, while embracing the principles of justice and equity in resource management.
Out of its conviction in African solidarity, Egypt has extended a helping hand to its brothers in the continent, particularly the Nile Basin countries, by implementing development projects that include: drilling solar-powered groundwater wells, establishing rainwater harvesting facilities, developing forecasting and early
It also accorded special attention to capacity building through annual training programs at the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation, to qualify African cadres.
In the same context, Egypt defends the interests of its African brothers at international fora, based on its belief that climate and water justice will only be realized if the African continent has a voice and a rightful place at the international decision-making table.
Egypt firmly believes that international rivers were not created to be lines that separate nations, but rather throbbing lifelines for integration and bridges of cooperation that connect peoples and unite destinies.
Water security is not a luxury, and sustainable development is not an option. Both are two fundamental rights that can only be safeguarded through a just partnership based on the principles of international law, embodying the spirit of mutual benefit, upholding the principle of non-harm, and recognizing that the right to benefit is always coupled with the duty to respect rights.
From this standpoint, Egypt clearly and firmly declares its absolute rejection of any unilateral measures taken on the Nile River that disregard international norms and agreements, threaten the interests of the peoples of the basin, and undermine the foundations of justice and stability.
Development is not the privilege of a single country, but rather a collective responsibility for all the peoples of the river, a right that must be safeguarded through cooperation, not unilateral action.
Over the course of 14 years of arduous negotiations with the Ethiopian side, Egypt has pursued a fair diplomatic approach characterized by wisdom and seriousness. It has earnestly sought to reach a binding legal agreement on the Ethiopian dam, one that takes into consideration everyone's interests and strikes a balance between rights and duties.
Over these years, Egypt has presented numerous sound technical alternatives that meet Ethiopia's stated goals and safeguard the interests of the two downstream countries. However, these efforts have been met with intransigence that can only be explained by a lack of political will, and seeking to impose a fait accompli, driven by narrow political considerations far from actual development needs. This is in addition to false claims of sole sovereignty over the Nile River, while the established truth is that the Nile is the shared resource of all its riparian states and a collective resource that cannot be monopolized.
After a few days of the inauguration of the Ethiopian dam, actual evidence proved the validity of our demand for a legally binding agreement among its parties to regulate the operation of this dam.
In the past few days, Ethiopia, through its undisciplined management of the dam, has caused damage to the two downstream countries, due to irregular flows, which were released without any notification or coordination with the downstream countries.
This makes it imperative for the international community in general, and the African continent in particular, to confront such reckless actions by the Ethiopian administration and ensure the regulation of water release from the dam, in the event of drought and flooding, within the framework of the agreement sought by the two downstream countries. This is the only way to achieve balance between the tangible development of the upstream countries and avoiding harm to the downstream countries.
By opting for diplomacy and resorting to international institutions, mainly the United Nations, Egypt affirms that this choice was never a sign of weakness or retreat. It is rather an expression of a strong position, a mature vision, and a deep belief that dialogue is the best path, and cooperation the most effective way to achieve the interests of all Nile Basin countries, without exposing any of them to danger. Nevertheless, Egypt will not stand idly by in the face of Ethiopia's irresponsible approach, and will take all necessary measures to protect its interests and water security.
Esteemed attendees,
The future of water security depends on effective international cooperation, based on adherence to applicable rules of international law, as well as reliance on development, innovation, and scientific research.
Let us all be partners in turning visions into reality, ideas into projects, and recommendations into tangible initiatives, to conserve water—this essential resource. Let Cairo Water Week be a true starting point toward a world where water is a bridge for cooperation, not an arena for conflict, and a source of hope, not a reason for strife.
In conclusion, I invite you to engage in serious discussions and effective dialogue during this week's functions to reach innovative solutions to the mounting challenges facing our water resources and to collaborate toward providing water security for our people and the development for our countries.
I wish you the best of success.
May Allah's blessings be upon you.
Sun, Oct. 12, 2025
