How can the global community better collaborate, innovate, and adapt to ensure water security in a rapidly changing world? This question was at the heart of the 19th World Water Congress, held in Marrakech from 1 to 5 December 2025, bringing together more than 1,400 participants under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Adaptation and Innovation.” Co-hosted by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Ministry of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Congress served as a key platform to shape the future of water research, policy, and cooperation.
Representing PRIMA, Ali Rhouma, PRIMA Project Officer, actively engaged throughout the week, reinforcing PRIMA’s mission to drive collaborative, Mediterranean-wide innovation in water and food systems.
PRIMA’s Contribution to Global Water Dialogue
Ali’s participation spanned several strategic sessions, highlighting the central role PRIMA plays in advancing integrated and science-based approaches:
- Moderating a high-level WEFE Nexus session:
Ali chaired a session attended by the Minister of Agriculture of Türkiye and representatives from his Ministry, presenting case studies from Brazil, Kenya, Türkiye, and Morocco. The session underscored the growing global adoption of the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus as a practical tool for integrated resource management. - Co-organising a North–South cooperation session with Water4All:
This session highlighted the vital importance of partnerships between European and Southern countries, aligning with PRIMA’s commitment to strengthening cross-regional research and innovation. - Contributing to four thematic sessions:
Ali brought PRIMA’s perspective to discussions on:- WEFE Nexus research,
- water governance and financing,
- non-conventional water resources,
- and the Water–Soil–Agriculture alliance for achieving the SDGs.
Key Messages for the Future of Water Management
The Congress reinforced several priorities that are central to PRIMA’s mission:
- Bridging science and policy to ensure research results effectively guide decision-making.
- Mainstreaming the WEFE Nexus as a framework for sustainable resource management.
- Scaling up nature-based solutions and digital innovation to boost resilience and efficiency.
- Strengthening long-term water governance beyond 2030 in light of rising environmental and socio-economic challenges.
- Mobilizing more financial resources to support resilient and inclusive water systems.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Transboundary Water Governance
While the Marrakech Declaration provides an ambitious vision for global water action, PRIMA notes an important gap: transboundary water management was not explicitly addressed. In a region like the Mediterranean, defined by shared basins and interdependent ecosystems, cooperative management of transboundary resources is fundamental for peace, stability, and long-term water security.
PRIMA’s Commitment
PRIMA will continue to champion collaborative research, promote the WEFE Nexus, and support transformative innovations that enhance water sustainability across the Mediterranean.
