Egypt steps up preparations for Cairo Water Week 2026

Egypt is stepping up preparations for the ninth Cairo Water Week, scheduled for October 25-29, by expanding its international participation and scientific programme ahead of a series of high-level regional and global events on water security.

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam reviewed progress on preparations for the annual conference, which has become one of the region’s leading international platforms for dialogue on water management and sustainable development.

Sewilam said Cairo Water Week is a key component of the international cooperation pillar of Egypt’s second-generation Water 2.0 strategy, bringing together policymakers, experts, international organisations and development partners to exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation on global water challenges.

According to the ministry, the conference’s scientific committee has completed the first stage of evaluating research abstracts and is now receiving extended abstracts and full papers for peer review and final selection.

The technical programme is also being expanded in cooperation with regional and international partners through a series of specialised sessions covering major water-related issues.

Organisers have sent 133 official invitations to representatives from around the world and have so far received confirmations from participants from 13 countries, while coordination with governments and international organisations continues.

The ministry said youth and research competitions have also attracted strong participation, with 167 applicants for the Young Innovators competition, 117 entries for the “Ala El-Qad” competition, and 37 participants in the Three-Minute Thesis competition. Applications for the Best Graduation Projects competition will open on Aug. 15.