Dushanbe : Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, participated in the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018-2028). The conference is held in Dushanbe, the Republic of Tajikistan, from May 25 to 28.
Minister Humaidan said the Kingdom of Bahrain remains committed under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to supporting international efforts to strengthen water security and sustainable water management. He said this reflects Bahrain’s belief in the importance of international cooperation in addressing growing water and climate-related challenges, enhancing the sustainability of critical infrastructure, and strengthening water security as a national priority and a central part of sustainable development plans.
The Electricity Minister referred to Bahrain’s efforts to maintain the operational efficiency of water production, transmission and distribution systems after one of the Kingdom’s main desalination plants sustained material damage as a result of Iranian attacks targeting critical infrastructure in Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to strengthen the protection of water infrastructure and ensure its readiness to address ongoing risks and threats in order to guarantee sustainable water supplies and the continuity of essential services.
He also emphasised the importance of adopting an integrated approach to strengthening water security through diversifying water and energy sources, expanding treated water reuse projects, replenishing groundwater reserves, and establishing strategic water reserves to improve countries’ ability to adapt to future changes.
Minister Humaidan said the Kingdom continues to implement national plans aimed at improving water and energy efficiency and developing legislation and policies that support sustainable water resource management, ensuring sustainable water supplies for future generations and supporting comprehensive development goals.
The Electricity Minister also reviewed recommendations submitted by Bahrain to the conference, including strengthening the protection of critical water infrastructure, developing mechanisms for international cooperation and the exchange of expertise and modern technologies, supporting innovation in desalination, expanding the use of renewable energy, and developing early warning systems and technologies that support the sustainability of water resources.
He called for expanding international and regional cooperation and partnerships in the water sector to help develop more efficient, sustainable and climate-resilient water systems and support the achievement of sustainable development goals at both regional and international levels.
During the visit, Minister Humaidan met Daler Juma, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan. Both sides discussed means to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom and Tajikistan in electricity, water and sustainable energy, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest to support joint efforts and the exchange of technical expertise and successful experiences between the two countries. The meeting also covered prospects for cooperation in sustainable water management, technical expertise exchange, and enhancing the readiness of critical water infrastructure to address accelerating environmental and climate challenges in line with the themes discussed at this year’s conference.
