Yesterday, March 22, was World Water Day. While much of the world’s attention is focused on the unprecedented political events in the Middle East, I urge you to not forget about water issues, as what happens to the world’s water supply over the next 15 years will have a great impact on humanity. At a time when the youth of this region have expressed their aspirations for greater economic opportunity, we also have a duty to prevent water scarcity from hindering development and economic growth. US government statistics show that global fresh water supplies – essential for agricultural production, for drinking, for maintenance of important habitats of animals – are projected to be inadequate to meet the needs of one-third of the world’s population by 2025, unless better use is made of this precious resource. This issue is of particular importance here in the Middle East, which has less than 1% of the world’s renewable freshwater resources and contains many countries, including Qatar, under threat of severe water shortages. Progress on this pressing issue will require funding. To meet this challenge, the US has made water a top foreign policy priority. Since 2005, we have provided a total of $3.4bn for the water and sanitation sector to developing countries around the globe. We also commend the Qatar government for their significant contributions to water and food security. Continued support from donor nations will be essential to tackling water issues.Progress will also require innovation. While there is no simple solution to global water challenges, science, technology and innovation will play a key role. The Qatar National Food Security Programme and Qatar Foundation have taken important steps in this area by sponsoring water research in Doha. We look forward to partnering with Qatar to promote even more innovation on water delivery and water management. Progress also needs partnership and co-ordination. Earlier this month, Qatar and the US co-hosted the first meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Network of Water Centres of Excellence, which brought together 60 scientists and policymakers from 10 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. The network will link technical institutions across the Middle East and North Africa with each other and with US institutions, including public-private partnerships. The Network will also help build capacity and exchange science and technology know-how to improve water planning and management, and dramatically increase the efficient and productive use of the region’s water supply. The State of Qatar has proven itself as a major global partner by helping to facilitate the creation of this network. As a next step, a bilateral agreement between the US and Qatar on food and water security could also help further co-ordination on the world’s pressing water issues. Finally, progress will require a change in behaviour in all of us. Water conservation can begin at home and in the office.
Did you know that fixing a small drip from an old faucet washer can save 20 gallons of water per day? Or that using an environmentally-friendly washing machine can reduce your water consumption by as much as 50%?
The global water challenge we face is enormous, but it is also solvable. As US Secretary of State Clinton said on World Water Day in 2010, “By focusing on our strengths and leveraging our efforts against the work of others, we can deliver results that are greater than the sum of their parts.” I encourage all of you to consider how you can make a contribution to water security.
*** Joseph LeBaron is the United States ambassador to Qatar