Cairo: The opening ceremony of Cairo Water Week 2025 witnessed a significant address by Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy. In her speech, Roswall emphasized the critical importance of water in sustaining societies and ecosystems, while warning of the severe challenges posed by water scarcity and pollution.

According to European Union, Roswall highlighted the shared experiences of Europe and Africa in facing extreme weather events, which have led to substantial economic costs and environmental degradation. She stressed the urgency of addressing water-related issues, noting that global water demand is projected to exceed available resources by 40% by 2030. The World Economic Forum has identified five of the top ten long-term global risks for businesses as water-related, underscoring the need for immediate action.

Roswall outlined the European Water Resilience Strategy, adopted in June, which focuses on restoring and protecting the water cycle, building a water-smart economy, and ensuring clean and affordable water for all. She reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting water infrastructure worldwide, advancing water diplomacy, and fostering strategic partnerships.

The EU’s Water Partnership with Egypt was highlighted as a model for regional collaboration. Roswall announced plans to enhance technical cooperation, research, and investment in integrated water resources management, with a focus on sustainable practices such as safe wastewater reuse in agriculture and improved irrigation techniques.

Roswall praised Egypt’s leadership in addressing regional and global water challenges, referencing the momentum generated by the 2023 UN Water Conference and the UNEA-6 resolution. She called for continued ambition and unity at the upcoming UN Water Conference to drive tangible results.

The address also underscored the EU’s broader cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa on sustainable water management, including partnerships with the Union for the Mediterranean, Morocco, and Jordan.

In conclusion, Roswall affirmed the EU’s readiness to lead efforts in building a resilient and sustainable future through regional and global cooperation, emphasizing the stakes and the potential for achieving meaningful change.