Istanbul: Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, represented the UAE at the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum. The forum, themed 'Strengthening Water Resilience: Innovation to Action', gathered ministers, senior government officials, international organizations, experts, and practitioners to address global water challenges and explore practical solutions across various sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, Balalaa engaged in the High-Level Ministerial Interactive Dialogue titled 'Paradigm Shift in a Changing World: Water and the Bridging Power of Istanbul.' This flagship session highlighted the need to redefine water management and emphasized dialogue, cooperation, and innovation in transforming water challenges into opportunities for shared resilience and sustainable development.
During the session, Balalaa reiterated the UAE's commitment to enhancing international cooperation on water issues, emphasizing water diplomacy as a crucial tool for converting shared challenges into practical partnerships. He noted that as the co-host of the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, the UAE is committed to fostering an inclusive, action-oriented process that accelerates implementation and strengthens partnerships.
On the sidelines of the forum, Balalaa conducted several bilateral meetings with Turkish government officials to discuss expanding cooperation in sectors such as water sector resilience, energy, and sustainability. He also participated in the Closed Ministerial Roundtable titled 'Dialogue on Water Resilience,' chaired by Ibrahim Yumakli, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Trkiye, where ministers exchanged views on water-related risks and policy responses.
Balalaa acknowledged Trkiye's leadership in convening the forum, noting its outcomes are expected to contribute to significant global processes like the 2026 UN Water Conference and COP31 in Antalya. He concluded by affirming that the UAE sees water resilience as a national priority and a shared global responsibility, expressing readiness to collaborate with Trkiye, Senegal, and other partners to advance a practical, inclusive water agenda.
