The sixth edition of the Arab Water Forum, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, serves as a platform for dialogue and updates on water resource management. The event brings together institutions, universities, and private sector representatives with the aim of building a collective approach to address challenges in the water sector.
Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), participated in the session titled “Advancing Global and Regional Water Initiatives for a Sustainable Future.” This session focused on the deep connection between regional strategies and the global agenda, covering topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Water Decade, UNDRR, and COP.
In his address, Director Rusconi emphasized that “the Italian approach to water cooperation has distinctive features, from geographic scalability—where initiatives integrate with regional and national activities—to the promotion of intersectoral links spanning agriculture, industry, energy, and environmental perspectives, all while enhancing intercultural elements recognized as key to developing efficient water management models.” To underscore this vision, Rusconi highlighted Italy’s impactful role in Africa, where the Mattei Plan has reinforced its efforts in water resource management.
Italy is at the forefront of addressing water-related issues, developing policies and technical solutions to tackle the challenges of the coming years. As announced by Director Rusconi to the audience, the next key appointment will be in October 2026, when Rome will host the Euro Mediterranean Water Forum.
