Islamabad: In a call for urgent action, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, urged member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to prioritize water security within their climate action strategies. Speaking at the “Networking of Water Centers of Excellence in OIC Member States” event, Ms. Alam emphasized the need for enhanced intergovernmental collaboration on water governance and the promotion of public-private partnerships to invest in water-efficient technologies.
According to a statement by Press Information Department, Ms. Alam underscored the importance of mobilizing international climate finance for large-scale water projects. “Many of our nations share critical water resources, and cooperation in water governance is essential for regional peace and prosperity,” she remarked. Representatives from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, attended the event, reflecting a wide interest in addressing these pressing issues.
Ms. Alam highlighted the critical challenges facing OIC nations, particularly due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth. She pointed out that 15 of the world’s most water-stressed countries are OIC members and stressed the urgent need for action as these nations face severe water shortages.
The devastating impacts of floods, droughts, and glacial melts on water security were also addressed. Ms. Alam noted the catastrophic floods of 2022 and ongoing droughts affecting agricultural output, emphasizing the national priority Pakistan has placed on water security through various conservation projects aligned with climate action commitments.
Research and innovation were identified as crucial components in addressing water scarcity. Ms. Alam called for data-driven policies and AI-based monitoring to optimize water use, and proposed the establishment of an OIC Water Security Forum to facilitate discussions on water-sharing agreements and mobilize financial resources through institutions like the Islamic Development Bank.
Looking ahead, Ms. Alam advocated for nature-based solutions such as reforestation and wetland restoration, and the implementation of smart water pricing mechanisms to promote conservation. She highlighted Pakistan’s Recharge Pakistan project as a scalable initiative for OIC countries to develop sustainable water management strategies.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Alam emphasized the shared responsibility of water security, urging OIC nations to unite in their commitment to innovation and cooperation. “Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and forge a path toward resilience and sustainability,” she stated, calling for renewed dedication to securing a sustainable future.