The 2nd Cairo Water Week (CWW) was held under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and was organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in collaboration with national, regional, and international partners. CWW quickly became a central focus for those who recognize water as a fundamental element of life, growing into Egypt’s main and largest water event. It gained widespread interest and support from water stakeholders at all levels.

In 2017, the global population stood at 7.3 billion, with projections indicating an increase to 9.8 billion by 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100 (UN, 2017). As populations grew, so did water demand, yet the world’s freshwater resources remained limited to just 2.5% of all water on Earth. Of this small percentage, only 1% was accessible, with the rest locked in glaciers. Climate change exacerbated the problem, making water scarcity one of the most pressing global challenges, especially in arid and vulnerable regions. In 2015, the World Economic Forum listed water scarcity as the greatest global risk in terms of potential impact over the next decade.

Various global water scarcity indicators showed that most of the African continent faced economic water scarcity, where water was inaccessible. In contrast, the Middle East and North Africa experienced predominantly physical water scarcity, where natural water resources were inadequate to meet the region’s demands. As one of North Africa’s arid countries, Egypt faced physical water scarcity, compounded by its vulnerability to global warming, rising sea levels, and a rapidly growing population. These challenges required significant efforts and innovative ideas to achieve sustainable development.

Following the success of the 1st Cairo Water Week, it was decided to make CWW an annual event. The 2nd Cairo Water Week took place from October 20-24, 2019, in Cairo, Egypt. Building on the 1st CWW, the theme of the 2nd edition was “Responding to Water Scarcity.” It provided a platform for academics, scholars, policymakers, and water resource experts from around the world to present and discuss key issues, plans, and actions related to addressing water scarcity challenges. The 2nd CWW aimed to turn the vision established during the 1st CWW into tangible actions, focusing on best practices and suitable implementation plans. It ensured the transfer of knowledge, showcasing how successful public and private business models, political opportunities and challenges, and capacity-building needs could drive meaningful progress.