OIC Workshop on Water Management for Agri in Member States

OIC holds workshop on water use management for agriculture in member states

Jeddah, 27-05-2025: The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in collaboration with relevant OIC institutions, is convening a Workshop on "Water Use Management for Agriculture in OIC Member States" from 26 to 28 May 2025 at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Headquarters in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco.

The Workshop, which attracted participants from more than 20 Member States aims to provide a collaborative platform for OIC Member States to identify and address key challenges hindering the sustainable management and utilization of water resources in the agricultural sector. Through enhanced dialogue, exchange of best practices, and capacity-building, the event seeks to strengthen resilience in agricultural systems, improve food security, and promote intra-OIC cooperation in sustainable water management.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Abdunur Sekindi, Director General of the Department of Science and Technology, underlined that water scarcity remains a critical issue facing many OIC Member States. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action, solidarity, and strengthened collaboration to address these shared challenges. He further highlighted that by advancing institutional frameworks, investing in capacity-building, and fostering knowledge-sharing initiatives, Member States can build public trust and enhance water governance systems.

The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director General of ICESCO. In his speech, he praised the OIC and its institutions for their proactive role in promoting sustainable development through collaborative initiatives. He emphasized the importance of addressing water scarcity as a strategic priority and commended the Organization’s efforts in supporting Member States to adopt innovative solutions for sustainable water use in agriculture. He also highlighted that such workshops not only foster technical cooperation and knowledge exchange but also serve as vital platforms for shaping practical policies that contribute to food security and climate resilience across the OIC region.

The Executive Director of The Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) emphasized in his speech that water and agriculture constitute the backbone of OIC societies. Yet, both are under immense pressure, climate change, resource depletion, inefficient practices, and social and political instability continue to threaten the foundations of food and water security. He added that this workshop is convened to discuss these challenges, as well as ways to move forward with practical, scientific, and collaborative solutions.

The Coordinator-General of the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the OIC, COMSTECH, highlighted in his speech on this critical time of holding the workshop, which comes at a moment when bold, science-driven, and collaborative solutions are urgently needed. He emphasized that the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus is no longer a theoretical concept; it has become a framework for action in every policy and project that touches our food systems. He urged participants to seize the opportunity of this workshop and make it a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and transformation for the future of agriculture, the food security in OIC communities, and the dignity of future generations.

Participants acknowledged the significant progress being made by various Member States, often in cooperation with regional and international partners, to adopt innovative solutions and advanced technologies for managing water use in agriculture. They underscored the importance of intensifying efforts to exchange scientific expertise, strategic planning approaches, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to ensure long-term water sustainability and bolster socioeconomic development across the OIC region.

The Workshop will conclude with a set of recommendations, which will be submitted to the Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water, scheduled to take place in Jeddah, in October 2025. – OIC News