Rome Water Dialogue 2025

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to welcome you to this year’s Rome Water Dialogue, and in particular to this important session titled “Water for resilient agriculture and food security: the past, present and future”.

Water, land, and soil — these are the lifeblood of our food systems. Since its foundation in 1945, the sustainable management of these natural resources has been a foundational building-block to achieve the FAO’s mission.

The importance of integrated and sustainable natural resources management to achieve food security is deeply embedded and reflected in both the FAO Basic Texts and the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31.

Over the past 80 years, FAO’s work on natural resources management has contributed to eliminating hunger and malnutrition, promoting food safety and food security, transforming food systems towards more sustainability and resilience and supporting smallholder farmers to secure their livelihoods.

Today, as we reflect on FAO’s 80 years of achievements, we celebrate the many groundbreaking solutions our Members have pioneered—solutions that are helping us meet rising demands without compromising our planet’s health.

FAO’s 80th Anniversary provides an opportunity to recognize such successes and solutions, learn from them, and drive innovative solutions for the future.

We invited Members to share their most impactful innovations in land, soil, and water management—and the response was incredible.

Over 80 impactful solutions poured in from all across the world, spanning four key areas: water, land, soil, and integrated approaches.

The submissions showcase Members’ significant achievements on improving food security through natural resources management.

Solutions included interventions, tools and policy instruments developed and implemented from different stakeholders; from research and academic institutions, extension and advisory services, civil society organizations, foundations, the private sector, development agencies, and others.

In today’s Rome Water Dialogue session, we spotlight some of the most transformative impactful water solutions, selected from over 40 recognized solutions in total.

For example, the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences has demonstrated how a clever rice farming method can dramatically save water without sacrificing yields.

Another case from the National Water Authority of Peru elaborates on the cruciality of measuring SDG 6 Indicator 6.4.2 on water stress to reveal water stress patterns and support more targeted water management policies.

And from Hungary, the University of Pécs introduces us to the concept of the ‘Spongecity’ – an integrated, nature-based approach to managing urban land, soil and water resources with a focus on mitigating flash flood risks and enhancing water retention.

I could go on here, but I will let the respective entities themselves present their remarkable solutions and the stories behind them in more detail.

Because this is the objective of today’s session: to provide a space for Members to share their context-specific experiences and best practices with others, and exchange sustainable solutions for managing our natural resources to achieve the Four Betters.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

International cooperation, like what we see here today, does more than deepen national commitments. It sparks awareness, unlocks synergies across sectors, and drives momentum to scale up successful actions worldwide.

This year’s Rome Water Dialogue serves exactly this aim.

This year’s call for “impactful solutions on land, soil and water resource management for resilient agriculture and food security“ is recognizing and promoting solutions to current water-related challenges.

All of you, ladies and gentlemen, are champions of these impactful solutions.

We need to share them among us, among countries, but also across sectors and governance levels. And we need to make them more integrated, to promote the synergies they bring, and reduce trade-offs as much as possible.

With experts from diverse international organizations joining us today, we’re not only sharing knowledge but also strengthening the bridge between science and policy—paving the way toward a water-resilient, sustainable future.

Collectively, we pave the way into a more water-resilient and sustainable future.

I am looking forward to hearing from you, Member countries’ representatives, and from fellow international organizations, about how to scale out these impactful solutions, to serve better the people and the planet.

I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and wish you an exciting and fruitful session.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, dear organizers of the forum,

Water resources are a strategic natural asset — the foundation of socio-economic development, food and energy security, and the protection of ecosystems. Water is the basis of human life, national health, and both economic and social stability.

Today, in the countries of Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, one of the most acute and strategically important challenges is the preservation and rational use of water resources. At the same time, sustainable and effective water management has become one of the most serious challenges of our time, as climate change poses an undeniable threat to sustainable development, the economy, the environment, and public health.

Today, I would like to highlight several key challenges we are facing. Millions of people are suffering from water scarcity, and competition for water resources is intensifying day by day. In such a situation, water may become not only a source of life but also a potential source of tension. Therefore, the water issue is not merely an environmental problem.

Climate change and population growth are rapidly reducing freshwater reserves, and it is projected that by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will suffer from water shortages. According to experts, if global warming continues at the current rate, by the middle of this century half of the world’s glaciers may disappear. The melting of glaciers will reduce river flow, intensify droughts, and pose a direct threat to food security. Therefore, the preservation of glaciers should be a priority not only at the national but also at the regional and global levels.

In accordance with the national program “Zhashyl Muras” (“Green Heritage”), initiated by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov, efforts are being made to protect mountain ecosystems and ensure climate resilience. Within this campaign, special attention is given to the preservation of mountains, glaciers, and rivers as part of the national heritage.

These initiatives must be strengthened and supported at the regional level, since rivers originating in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan supply water not only to our country but also to neighboring states as Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

In addition to glaciers and river systems, there is another important issue — the condition of our national treasure, Lake Issyk-Kul. Rising temperatures and declining precipitation have already begun to negatively affect the water level and ecosystem of the lake. Whereas previously 101 rivers flowed into Issyk-Kul, today only 56 continue to do so. This is an alarming sign and clear evidence of the serious consequences of climate change.

ө Issyk-Kul is not only the pride of Kyrgyzstan but also a vital regional resource that regulates climate and maintains the water balance of the region. Preserving its purity and sustainability is our common responsibility.

We must not forget the bitter lesson of the Aral Sea. Once one of the largest lakes in the world, it has now become a symbol of ecological disaster.

The challenges of glacier melting, water shortages, and climate change are not the problems of a single country or region — they are global issues that can only be addressed through joint efforts. To save water in our region, we must shift to drip and sprinkler irrigation methods and reuse treated wastewater.

Today, around 10 million people in the region still lack access to clean water. Between 1994 and 2020, water consumption doubled, the water infrastructure became 80% obsolete, and water losses reached 55%. According to research, to ensure sufficient clean water in the region by 2030, an additional 12 billion USD in investment will be required — about 2 billion USD annually.

In Kyrgyzstan alone, access to clean drinking water remains unresolved in 960 rural communities, requiring approximately 1.2 billion USD in investment. The shortage of clean water will continue to worsen due to droughts, rising temperatures, glacier melt, and population growth. Ensuring adequate water supply will therefore require the implementation of water-saving technologies, the development of climate financing mechanisms, and the provision of technical and financial assistance to Central Asian countries.

Today, the world’s leading economies invest trillions of dollars in oil and gas industries. It is time to direct comparable investments toward humanity’s most valuable resource — water! If we fail to invest in institutional and financial mechanisms today, we will have to spend three times more tomorrow to mitigate the consequences of water scarcity.

Thus, water security is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of national, regional, and global stability — the foundation of food security and social development.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

I am deeply convinced that together we can find solutions to overcome water scarcity. Decisive actions, modern technologies, investments, and solidarity are the keys to success. Joint efforts in addressing water challenges are the call of our time. I urge policymakers, public figures, scientists, and every citizen to treat water responsibly and use it wisely.

The Kyrgyz Republic stands ready for constructive and fruitful cooperation, for expanding partnerships, and for implementing new initiatives.

Every decision we make must be aimed at preserving water — the source of life for future generations!

Thank you for your attention!

Your Majesty the King of Lesotho, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the 4th edition of the Rome Water Dialogue.

I launched this initiative in 2022 with the objective of uniting water and food communities in one shared dialogue. Water is key to FAO’s mandate as it is critical in addressing hunger and malnutrition, and ensuring food security. The food we eat depends on water, and agriculture alone uses more than 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. This places agrifood systems at the center of our collective responsibility to manage water wisely and equitably.

By 2050, feeding nearly 10 billion people will demand at least 50% more food—and potentially 30% more freshwater, in a world already facing scarcity and impacted by the climate crisis. As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, we are reminded that water flows through every aspect of our work – from soils and crops to energy, trade and livelihoods. Our future food security depends on how we protect and use this valuable resource today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since the 1950s, FAO has helped countries design and restore irrigation systems that brought water – and hope – back to farmlands and rural communities. Over time, FAO’s engagement has grown from field projects to a comprehensive approach linking data, science, technology and policy advice. For example, through the AQUASTAT initiative for the past 30 years FAO has provided the world’s most complete global database on water resources and use. The WaPOR portal makes satellite-based data freely available, helping farmers and planners improve irrigation efficiency in 35 countries, to protect soils and ecosystems.

Through the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture and the Regional Water Scarcity Initiatives, FAO continues to foster collaboration and the exchange of knowledge on best solutions among Members. As climate pressures intensify, we must prepare and plan for, and adapt to, more frequent droughts, floods and weather-related shocks.

Producing more with less water will require efficient infrastructure, reliable data and integrated approaches. In 2023, the FAO Ministerial Conference endorsed Integrated Water Resource Management as a priority area for the 2024-2025 biennium, highlighting the critical link between water and food and their role in achieving sustainable development. FAO has since adopted a Conceptual Framework for Integrated Land and Water Resource Management to guide our work.

Yet, despite progress, a big policy gap remains. Water and food are still often addressed in isolation. We must foster cross-sectoral policies and investments that ensure win-win solutions. As we look ahead to COP30 in Brazil, integrating water and agrifood systems into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans presents a key opportunity to close the policy gap. FAO is shaping the UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation and preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference – with the objective of keeping agriculture central on the global agenda.

The Rome Water Dialogue aims to overcome fragmentation, align politics and ensure collective efforts for innovative solutions for the water-food nexus. I am especially pleased to see both Ministers of Agriculture and Ministers of Water here today. Your presence sends a clear signal of joint leadership and shared responsibility - of being Better Together!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year’s edition of the Rome Water Dialogue marks a significant shift – from connecting water and agriculture, to implementing integrated solutions. Let us continue to work more and better together!

Thank you.

Director General of the FAO, His Excellency Mr. Qu Dongyu The Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Your Excellency Ziyozoda Sulaimon Rizoi Ministers, Excellencies, Colleagues,

It is an honour for me to meet you all. Thank you for having me. I am a grandmother of 4 grandsons, I like watching their movies. On my flight from Jakarta to Rom,I watched a new children movie. There are two beautiful messages that I got from that movie Family and safe together. Those two words fit very well to our gathering here. We are all one family in this planet If we act together, we will stay safe together. Why we have to act together as one family? Because we are facing a very daunting challenges on many things, From climate change and biodiversity loss, Food insecurity, Energy insecurity Water insecurity, and many others.

Today our focus is on the nexus of food and water. And let me begin by mentioning a simple truth: There is no food security without water. There never has been and there never will be. Water and food are inherent needs to humanity,  the two have continuously shaped the trajectory of humankind even long before the history recorded. And the history told us Water and agriculture are inseparable but their relationship must be sustainable. Technological progress without environmental stewardship can be a short-lived victory. One more reminder of fact: By 2050 the world would have almost 10 billion people Requiring an increase of 50% food production While at the same time the availability of water continuous decreasing.

So what should we do? Do we need to continue discussing about it? Yes discussion to find solutions Yes discussion on how to act together; But not discussion for discussion and no implementation. Therefore, I appreciate very much that the Rome Water Dialogue this year focus from awareness to implementation. And even the next 2026 UN Water Conference in the UAE will also focus on implementation. The issue of implementation fits very well with my three working priorities. After advocacy we need Alignment, Acceleration.

Excellencies, Friends, What we are watching right now is what I call “a water-food paradox”. It means that we must produce more food with less water and We must do it more equitably, more sustainably, and more resiliently. The next question is how we do it? The answer is we need a transformation. Transformation in how we cooperate,    transformation in how we plan our future, and transformation in how we manage our water and food.

Allow me to share three points I believe are important to guide our discussions today: First, focus on scaling up successes and accelerating actions. Time is running out as we are heading to 2030, targets on water and food in SDGs are still severely off-track. And these targets are not just objectives set in multilateral meetings, It represents the daily reality of people on the ground where 2.1 billion people still live without safely managed drinking water, over 735 million people still face hunger, and over 2.4 billion experience food insecurities. Therefore, with a strong sense of urgency, we must scale up success and accelerating actions in water and food, We know what works, drought-resilient crops, efficient irrigation, early warning systems, and strong community management. Let us scale these up through partnerships, South–South cooperation, and smarter finance.

Second, forget business as usual and dare to innovate. Desperate time calls for desperate measures And today, with desperate needs of answers, is the time for us to discuss solutions to the betterment of our water and food. It is time to think beyond, Beyond the traditional practice in our respective agencies, Beyond the limited resources we are facing, Beyond the silos we used to be in. I challenge all of us to be critical and daring in seeing what works and what does not work in our collective efforts to find new and innovative solutions to transform the present reality of water and food. Break silos between water, food, energy, and climate sectors. Harness digital tools for water data and forecasting. Empower youth and women as innovators. Align investments so that every dollar delivers multiple benefits, for people, nature, and peace.

And Last, carry the momentum forward and sustainably. Colleagues, the discussion we have today will only make impacts if we carry forward the results to our countries and to our own daily realities. It is critical to bring it forward to actions and to other discussions and deliberations. This MUST NOT stop here, and in fact, this must be elevated as a movement as we move forward.

The outcomes of the 2023 UN Water Conference gave us a shared direction, but they must now be turned into results. The UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation and the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework are our vehicles to do so. Together, they help the UN system, and its partners, implement the Conference outcomes, align action across sectors, and accelerate progress through the five accelerators — data, capacity, innovation, finance, and governance.

As the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water, I will work with UN-Water and all partners to connect these processes, linking Rome, Belém, Nairobi and Abu Dhabi to ensure coherent global follow-up and stronger cooperation across all levels.

Colleagues, The world we envision – where no one is hungry and no one is thirsty – will only be achieved if we transform the systems that sustain us And there can be no transformed future without transformed water and food systems.

Water IS NOT just a resource. It is a responsibility and with that responsibility comes the power to transform the future. The road ahead is not easy. But it is necessary. And it is possible—if we walk it together. So Let us do it together.

I thank you.

His Excellency The Director General Of Fao – Mr. Qu Dongyu, Excellencies, Ladies And Gentlemen,

It Is With Great Honour That I Represent His Excellency, The President Of The Republic Of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, At This Important World Food Forum, Which Places The “Dialogue On Water” At The Center Of Development Strategies, Climate Resilience, And Food Security.

Angola Will Celebrate, On November 11, 2025, The 50th Anniversary Of National Independence, A Milestone For Reflection And Satisfaction Regarding The Path The Country Has Taken Towards Freedom, Peace, And Social, Economic, Political, And Cultural Progress.

For Angola, Water Is More Than A Natural Resource: It Is A Vector Of Peace, Social Cohesion, And Sustainable Development. In Recent Years, Significant Investments Have Been Made In Water Infrastructures.

Our Commitment Is Fully Aligned With The Sustainable Development Goals, Particularly Sdg 6 — Clean Water And Sanitation — And With Aspiration No. 1 Of The African Union's Agenda 2063 – For A Prosperous Africa, Based On Inclusive Growth And Sustainable Development.

In Terms Of Climate Resilience, Angola Faces Increasingly Intense Challenges, Namely: Prolonged Droughts In The South, Sudden Floods In The North, And Marked Seasonal Variability.

In Southern Angola, Particularly In The Provinces Of Cunene, Namibe, And Cuando, Prolonged And Recurring Droughts Have Severely Affected Populations And Ecosystems, Jeopardizing Food Security. In Response To This Reality, The Government Has Adopted A Comprehensive Set Of Structural And Emergency Measures, Focusing On Three Main Axes:

The First Axis Is The Strengthening Of Strategic Water Infrastructure, With Particular Emphasis On:

• The Construction Of Water Transfer Systems, Such As The Cafu Canal, Which Allows Water To Be Transported From The Cunene River To Arid Areas In Southern Angola, Ensuring Supply To Hundreds Of Thousands Of People And Supporting Agricultural Activities For Community And Livestock, Particularly Cattle;
• The Ongoing Construction Of Small Dams, Boreholes, And Storage Systems To Create Local Water Reserves And Reduce Exclusive Dependence On Seasonal Rains.

The Second Axis Is The Improvement Of Water Management And Usage Efficiency, Which Involves The Ongoing Implementation Of Controlled And Monitored Drilling Programs For Underground Aquifers Sustainably, Ensuring Continuous Supply During Drought Periods, As Well As Promoting Good Practices For Rational Water Use, Adapted To The Semi-arid Conditions Of The Country's South, Directly Among Our Farming Communities.

The Third Axis Is Dedicated To Adaptation Actions And Institutional Strengthening, Examples Of Which Include:

• The Combination Of Investments In Rural Water Infrastructure With Conservation And Integrated Management Interventions Of Watersheds; And
• Strengthening Institutional And Local Capacities For The Sustainable Management Of Water Resources, With A Focus On Community Empowerment, Which Is A Key Factor In Building Lasting Climate Resilience.

The Angolan Executive Has Been Investing In Science And Innovation To Gradually Introduce Innovative Solutions For A More Modern And Effective Management Of Supply Systems, With A Direct Impact On The Reliability And Sustainability Of Services Provided To The Population. Technologies Are Also Crucial For Optimizing Water Usage In Agriculture, A Sector That We Know To Be The Largest Consumer Of This Resource Globally.

We Firmly Believe That Dialogue And International Cooperation Are Fundamental For All Of Us To Face Challenges That Are Global By Nature. Therefore, We Thank The Fao And The Partners Present Here For This Platform Of Sharing And Global Commitment.

Angola Reaffirms Its Full Willingness To Actively Cooperate In Identifying And Implementing Innovative, Inclusive, And Resilient Solutions For Water Management, Serving Water Security, Climate Adaptation, And Sustainable Development.

Thank You Very Much For Your Attention!

Cumprimento a todos aqui presentes ao Diretor-Geral da FAO, aos organizadores deste importante evento, à nossa Embaixadora do Brasil junto à FAO, ao meu colega, Secretário-Executivo do Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária, e aos demais delegados e representantes de organizações internacionais.

É uma honra estar aqui, como Vice-Ministro do Ministério da Integração e do Desenvolvimento Regional do Brasil (MIDR), instituição que desempenha um papel estratégico na agenda hídrica e climática nacional, liderando políticas voltadas à segurança hídrica, à redução do risco de desastres, ao desenvolvimento territorial e à redução das desigualdades regionais.

Este encontro tem um significado especial. Ao mesmo tempo em que projetamos soluções urgentes para os desafios do futuro, celebramos os 80 anos de atuação desta Organização, referência global no combate à fome, na promoção da segurança alimentar e na construção de uma governança sustentável dos recursos naturais.

O desafio que temos diante de nós é imenso. Até 2050, a população mundial ultrapassará 9 bilhões de pessoas, e será necessário produzir cerca de 60% mais alimentos para atender a essa demanda crescente. Esse objetivo, porém, só será possível se cuidarmos da base que sustenta a vida, a produção e os ecossistemas: a água, recurso essencial que conecta setores muitas vezes tratados de forma isolada, como agricultura, energia, saúde, planejamento urbano e biodiversidade. É justamente essa capacidade de articular políticas, territórios e soluções que torna a água um elemento estratégico para garantir segurança alimentar, impulsionar economias e proteger vidas.

No entanto, a mudança do clima está alterando profundamente o ciclo hidrológico. Secas mais prolongadas, chuvas intensas, enchentes urbanas, deslizamentos e eventos extremos cada vez mais frequentes e severos desafiam nossa capacidade de adaptação. Em muitas regiões, a escassez ou o excesso de água ameaça ecossistemas, compromete a produção de alimentos, afeta comunidades inteiras e coloca em risco modos de vida e a dignidade humana.

Os impactos da mudança do clima atingem de forma desproporcional as populações mais vulneráveis, como aquelas que vivem nas regiões áridas, onde a escassez hídrica compromete diretamente a produção de alimentos, a qualidade de vida e o desenvolvimento local. Diante dessa realidade, o Brasil tem desenvolvido políticas públicas e soluções concretas que transformam realidades e fortalecem a resiliência dos territórios.

Essa atuação se materializa em diversas iniciativas que combinam tecnologia, inovação, participação social e cooperação federativa. Um exemplo emblemático é o Programa Água Doce, que estabelece uma política pública permanente para o aproveitamento sustentável de águas subterrâneas por meio da dessalinização. Seu diferencial está na articulação com governos locais e comunidades para criar estruturas de gestão compartilhada, combinando tecnologia e governança social para garantir acesso contínuo e sustentável à água potável.

Essa lógica de atuação integrada também se reflete no Projeto de Integração do Rio São Francisco (PISF) — uma das maiores obras de infraestrutura hídrica do mundo — que leva água a regiões historicamente vulneráveis do Nordeste brasileiro, beneficiando milhões de pessoas e possibilitando a expansão da produção agrícola e o desenvolvimento local.

Na mesma direção, os Polos de Agricultura Irrigada fortalecem arranjos produtivos locais sustentáveis, impulsionam cadeias produtivas de alto valor agregado e aliam o uso eficiente da água a tecnologias de irrigação adaptadas ao clima, promovendo geração de emprego e renda e ampliando a segurança alimentar mesmo em contextos de escassez hídrica.

Essas iniciativas se somam a programas como o Semeando Águas no Semiárido, que melhora a quantidade e a qualidade da água para consumo humano e produção, promovendo a recuperação de nascentes e a adoção de práticas sustentáveis de manejo dos recursos hídricos.

Essas ações formam a base concreta sobre a qual estamos construindo, no âmbito da Agenda de Ação da COP30, um conjunto de Planos de Aceleração instrumentos estratégicos que colocam a água no centro da ação climática e do desenvolvimento sustentável e que oferecem soluções específicas para cada uma das dimensões do desafio que enfrentamos.

O primeiro plano é dedicado ao Acesso à Água Potável para Comunidades em Situação de Vulnerabilidade. Ele busca garantir que milhões de pessoas, muitas delas vivendo em regiões áridas, semiáridas ou dispersas, tenham acesso equitativo, sustentável e resiliente à água. A proposta combina infraestrutura adaptada às mudanças climáticas e tecnologias apropriadas, além de estratégias para fortalecer a produção de alimentos em contextos de escassez. Programas como o Água Doce são exemplos concretos de como essa abordagem já está sendo aplicada com sucesso no Brasil e podem inspirar soluções em outras regiões do mundo.

O segundo plano aborda a Governança da Água, que consideramos o eixo estruturante das políticas de recursos hídricos. O Brasil conta com sólidos marcos legais e institucionais, baseados na gestão descentralizada e participativa, no envolvimento de comitês de bacia e no princípio da integração entre usos e territórios. Esse plano busca transformar nossa experiência em uma plataforma de cooperação internacional, promovendo o intercâmbio de boas práticas, soluções baseadas na natureza (ou abordagens ecossistêmicas), a integração de dados e tecnologias e o fortalecimento de capacidades institucionais. Os Polos de Agricultura Irrigada e o programa Semeando Águas ilustram como a boa governança da água se traduz em desenvolvimento local, segurança alimentar e justiça social.

O terceiro plano trata de um dos maiores desafios do nosso tempo: a Recuperação Resiliente no Pós-Desastre. A intensificação dos eventos extremos exige que a reconstrução não seja apenas uma resposta emergencial, mas uma oportunidade de reduzir riscos futuros, melhorar infraestruturas, fortalecer capacidades locais e criar bases para um desenvolvimento sustentável e adaptado ao clima. Este plano propõe mecanismos de cooperação entre governos, sociedade civil, setor privado e comunidades locais para que a reconstrução seja inclusiva, equitativa e transformadora.

Esses três planos representam uma resposta estruturada e coordenada aos desafios centrais do nosso tempo: garantir segurança hídrica, reforçar instituições e mecanismos de governança e construir resiliência frente aos desastres climáticos. Ao integrar essas dimensões, eles contribuem diretamente para a segurança alimentar, para a estabilidade dos territórios e para o avanço de um modelo de desenvolvimento mais sustentável e inclusivo.

A FAO nos ensina há 80 anos que a cooperação internacional é o caminho. O Brasil acredita nisso e reforça sua disposição de aprender com as experiências aqui reunidas e de compartilhar as nossas. Precisamos trabalhar juntos para transformar compromissos em ação unindo conhecimento, tecnologia e vontade política em torno de soluções concretas.

Agradeço muito pela oportunidade de celebrarmos a água juntos aqui, em Roma. E deixo um convite especial: espero encontrá-los em Belém, na Amazônia, durante a COP30. Será um momento para levarmos adiante essa agenda, com o convite feito para avançarmos na agenda climática e irmos além, para levá-la para a vida das pessoas, com ações concretas e mensuráveis.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs, honorable assistance,

 Il m’échoit l’honneur de vous transmettre les chaleureuses salutations de Monsieur Ahmed ELBOUARI, Ministre de l’Agriculture et de la Pêche Maritime du Développement Rural et des Eaux et Forêts du Royaume du Maroc. En son nom, je voudrais rendre hommage à la FAO pour ce rendez-vous renouvelé fondé sur les vertus du dialogue et sur le désir de penser ensemble. C’est un honneur pour moi de prendre part à cette table ronde de haut niveau, consacrée à la question fondamentale qui nous interpelle avec force, de savoir comment bâtir des systèmes agricoles résilients et durables dans un contexte de stress hydrique croissant ?

Le Maroc, traverse une période de sécheresse prolongée sans précédent à l’instar de nombreux pays méditerranéens et africains. La succession d’années exceptionnellement sèches, la baisse tendancielle des précipitations et la hausse des températures ont profondément transformé le régime hydrique du pays et augmenté les risques de pénurie d’eau et la pression sur les ressources en eau.

Au cours des sept dernières années, le déficit pluviométrique moyen a dépassé les 50 %, entraînant une diminution significative des apports d’eau aux barrages et une réduction de la disponibilité de l’eau pour l’agriculture allant jusqu’à l’arrêt d’irrigation sur plusieurs années dans de nombreux bassins de production stratégiques pour la sécurité alimentaire et la création d’opportunités d’emplois.

Face à cette réalité, le Maroc a développé des stratégies de l’eau et de l’agriculture, fondées sur l’investissement dans les infrastructures hydroagricoles, l’innovation, l’inclusivité et la gouvernance territoriale au plus près du terrain. La stratégie agricole Génération Green 2020-2030 et le programme national d’approvisionnement en eau potable et d’irrigation 2020-2027, impulsés par Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI que Dieu l’assiste, ont permis à notre pays de faire face au défi redoutable de la sècheresse et de la pénurie d’eau. En effet, la dynamique d’investissement dans la promotion de l’économie d’eau, la productivité et la valorisation de l’eau d’une part et le renforcement de l’offre hydrique ont été salutaires.

Premièrement, en matière d’infrastructures hydriques, le Royaume a mis en place un important programme de mobilisation et de sécurisation des ressources. Le réseau national compte aujourd’hui plus de 150 grands barrages et de nombreux ouvrages de transfert et d’interconnexion, dont le grand projet de transfert d’eau du Nord vers le Sud, destiné à réduire les disparités régionales et renforcer la résilience face à la sécheresse. Le Maroc investit également dans la diversification de ses sources d’eau, notamment à travers le dessalement de l’eau de mer pour l’agriculture et l’eau potable, et la réutilisation des eaux usées traitées dans plusieurs villes et agglomérations.

Deuxièmement, sur le plan de l’investissement et du partenariat, le Maroc a fait du Partenariat Public-Privé (PPP) un levier stratégique pour accélérer le développement des infrastructures hydrauliques et améliorer l’efficacité du service de l’eau et mobiliser les financements alternatifs pour l’agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire. Le projet de Chtouka, au sud de la ville dAgadir, en est un exemple inspirant qui combine le dessalement de l’eau de mer, la distribution de l’eau aux exploitations agricoles qui pratiquent des cultures à haute valeur ajoutée, et la gestion durable de la nappe phréatique. La nouvelle station de Dessalement de Dakhla en cours de construction dans les provinces du sud du Maroc, première station de dessalement alimentée exclusivement par l’énergie éolienne pour irriguer 5.000 ha de terres agricoles arides, est une évolution à suivre car elle constitue une révolution de la vision de l’irrigation.

Troisièmement, sur le plan de l’innovation, le Maroc met l’accent sur l’adoption des technologies pour renforcer l’efficacité de l’utilisation de l’eau : depuis le transport et la distribution grâce à des systèmes de distribution de l’eau intelligents, jusqu’aux techniques d’irrigation de pointe et aux procédés innovants de traitement et de dessalement. Cette dynamique s’appuie également sur la digitalisation et la gestion intégrée des données pour optimiser la planification, le suivi et la gouvernance de la ressource hydrique.

Sous la Vision éclairée de Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI, les stratégies Plan Maroc Vert et Génération Green ont permis de moderniser les systèmes d’irrigation : plus de 900 000 hectares sont aujourd’hui équipés en irrigation localisée, soit 56 % des superficies irriguées, contre moins de 10 % il y a moins de deux décennies. L’objectif à l’horizon 2030 est ambitieux : atteindre un million d’hectares en irrigation efficiente et doubler l’efficacité hydrique dans le secteur.

Mesdames et Messieurs, honorable assistance,

Conscient que l’eau, l’énergie et l’alimentation sont de plus en plus interconnectés et peuvent interagir positivement, le Maroc a fait le choix de valoriser son potentiel d’énergies renouvelables pour renforcer l’offre hydrique par dessalement de l’eau de mer. Ce modèle fondé sur le nexus Eau–Énergie–Alimentation, intégrant les énergies renouvelables et les ressources en eau non conventionnelles permettent de renforcer un mix hydrique au service de la sécurité hydrique et alimentaire et surtout avec une résilience renforcée et une empreinte bas carbone.

Mesdames et Messieurs, honorable assistance,

L’expérience du Maroc montre que la résilience et la durabilité des systèmes de production agricole repose sur trois clé de succès :

• des infrastructures solides et interconnectées,
• des mécanismes d’investissement innovants, et
• une gouvernance participative et inclusive.

Toutes ces innovations appuyées par l’utilisation progressive d’énergies alternatives renouvelables ouvrent des perspectives et des opportunités pour l’eau et l’énergie au service de la sécurité alimentaire. Pour conclure, mon pays souhaite saisir cette occasion pour réitérer ses remerciements à la FAO et à son Directeur général, pour l’attention particulière qu’il accorde aux questions de la durabilité et la résilience des systèmes de production et il renouvelle son engagement à continuer à appuyer les efforts entrepris par la FAO tant à l’échelle nationale, régionale qu’à l’échelle internationale en vue de parvenir à la sécurité alimentaire pour tous dans un environnement de plus en plus marqué par le changement global.

Je vous remercie.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends,

It is an honour to join you at the Rome Water Dialogue — a reminder that water is not only a resource, but the foundation of life, food, and resilience. For Malta, this dialogue carries special meaning. As one of Europe’s most water-scarce countries and an island nation, we share many of the challenges faced by SIDS. We live the reality that every drop counts. Drought, scarcity, and a changing climate are part of our daily experience. Our journey has taught us that resilience begins with cooperation. By learning from others, sharing lessons, and building solutions together, we can turn vulnerabilities into strengths.

Over the past decades, Malta has adopted an integrated water management approach combining desalination, water reuse, and groundwater protection. Guided by the EU Water Framework Directive, our River Basin Management Plan provides a framework for sustainable resource management. Through our New Water Programme, Malta produces around 7 million cubic metres of reclaimed water each year—meeting about one-third of agricultural demand. Meanwhile, desalination plants provide 70% of municipal water, ensuring a safe and reliable supply for all.

These achievements reflect Malta’s commitment to innovation within constraint — a quality shared by many small island and water-scarce nations. We also place great importance on collaboration and knowledge exchange.

In partnership with the FAO, we have started utilising tools like CROPWAT to plan irrigation efficiently under changing climate conditions. Nationally, our Agri Hub promotes precision agriculture through satellite data, remote sensing, and digital monitoring — helping farmers make informed decisions, reduce water use, and enhance sustainability. This collaboration demonstrates how shared expertise can translate into practical, locally adapted solutions. Yet challenges remain. Across the Mediterranean, prolonged droughts, heat stress, and declining rainfall threaten soil health and crop productivity.

Malta continues to balance groundwater protection with the need to sustain food production. We believe the way forward must be science-based and inclusive — driven by research, innovation, and shared learning. We must invest in drought-tolerant crops, water-efficient technologies, and sustainable farming systems that can thrive under new climatic realities. Looking ahead, Malta supports a cross-sectoral approach linking agriculture, water, environment, and infrastructure planning. Investments in climate-smart agriculture and water-saving technologies must go hand in hand with partnerships that make them effective.

We stand ready to deepen collaboration with countries, organisations, and innovators to co-develop practical, transferable solutions that strengthen agricultural resilience.

Excellencies,

Malta reaffirms its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 — Clean Water and Sanitation — and to global water cooperation. Every country, large or small, water-rich or water-scarce, brings valuable experience to this shared challenge. Our collective progress depends on mutual learning, shared innovation, and partnership. In that spirit, Malta stands ready to share its experience, to learn from yours, and to work together for a resilient, sustainable, and water-secure future for all.

Thank you.