OIC nations must strengthen water governance: Romina Alam

February 24, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan stands ready to work with its OIC partners to develop joint solutions, share research, and build a water-resilient future for all, said Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam.

She made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the "Networking of Water Centers of Excellence in OIC Member States" event, where representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and Russia were present.

Ms. Alam called on OIC member states to prioritize water security in their climate action strategies, strengthen intergovernmental collaborations, invest in water-efficient technologies, and mobilize international climate finance for large-scale water projects.

She emphasized the need for cooperation among nations sharing transboundary rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs to ensure regional stability.

Many of our nations share critical water resources, and cooperation in water governance is essential for regional peace and prosperity, she added.

No single country can tackle these challenges alone, she stated, urging the OIC to take a leadership role in global water security efforts, according to the press release issued today.

Highlighting the severe challenges posed by climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth, Ms. Alam noted that fifteen of the world's most water-stressed countries belong to the OIC, with large parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia experiencing extreme water shortages.

She stressed the devastating impacts of floods, droughts, and glacial melt on water security and economic stability, referencing the 2022 floods that displaced millions and ongoing droughts affecting agricultural productivity.

Ms. Alam underscored Pakistan’s commitment to water security, citing government investments in rainwater harvesting, smart irrigation, food resilience initiatives, and sustainable water governance policies aligned with climate action commitments.

She also highlighted Pakistan’s advancements in wastewater treatment, groundwater recharge projects, and climate-resilient agriculture, while advocating for stronger partnerships between OIC nations’ universities, research institutions, and policy think tanks to exchange knowledge and best practices.

Referring to Pakistan’s experience with the Indus Waters Treaty, Ms. Alam suggested it as a model for other OIC countries dealing with cross-border water challenges.

She proposed the establishment of an OIC Water Security Forum, which would enable member states to discuss water-sharing agreements, share expertise, and secure financial resources through institutions like the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

She further called for the adoption of nature-based solutions such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and floodwater harvesting to enhance groundwater recharge and turn climate-induced disasters into water-saving opportunities.

She cited Pakistan’s Recharge Pakistan project, which utilizes floodwater to replenish groundwater and restore ecosystems, as an example of an initiative that can be scaled up across OIC countries.

Concluding her address, Ms. Alam emphasized that water security is a shared responsibility and urged OIC nations to take collective action.

"If we fail to act now, we risk exacerbating the climate and humanitarian crises unfolding before us, she added.

However, if we come together united in our commitment, innovation, and cooperation we can secure a sustainable future for generations to come," she stated.

She reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to working with OIC partners to develop sustainable water management strategies, calling for a renewed commitment to water security across the OIC.

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