On October 14th, Dr. Martino Melli, Head of AICS Cairo, participated in Cairo Water Week during the event titled “Advancing Knowledge and Shaping the Path Forward,” organised by the WATER KNOWLEDGE project. Dr. Melli’s intervention, “Investing in Water Governance: The Commitment of Italian Cooperation,” underscored the critical role of water governance in tackling global challenges and highlighted Italy’s commitment to fostering sustainable water management in Egypt and beyond.
Dr. Melli stressed that “water plays a critical role in virtually every aspect of human life,” pointing to findings that estimate the global economic use value of water to be $58 trillion in 2021. He noted that climate change and increasing demand for resources are heightening pressure on water availability, further emphasising the need for robust governance and investment.
Water governance, according to Dr. Melli, ensures equitable access, sustainable resource management, and efficient water use. He stated, “Investing in water governance is crucial for addressing global water challenges,” such as scarcity, pollution, and climate change impacts. He also highlighted the importance of conflict prevention and health, asserting that “access to clean and safe water is essential for public health and sanitation.”
Dr. Melli showcased Italian Cooperation’s ongoing commitment to water management in Egypt through key projects. He outlined the achievements of projects like MARSA DEV, the EU-funded Joint Rural Development Programme (JRDP), and the WATDEV initiative, which is fostering sustainable water practices in the Nile River Basin. As well as, EU-ZIRA3A and EU-KAFI programmes.
He also discussed the WATER KNOWLEDGE project, which is working to establish a regional hub in Egypt for advancing water management practices and knowledge sharing across borders. The programme aims to build capacity among researchers and experts while promoting innovative solutions.
Dr. Melli concluded by reiterating that “effective water governance is the linchpin of our efforts” and reaffirmed Italy’s role in creating lasting partnerships to advance sustainable water management in Egypt. Through these collaborative efforts, the Italian Cooperation continues to support the achievement of SDG 6, ensuring sustainable water and sanitation management for all.
