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Global water security: UNGA sparks collective action

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Senegal, in collaboration with the Global Water Organisation (GWO), recently convened a critical high-level ministerial dialogue.

The escalating global water crisis represents one of the most profound threats to international stability, public health, and sustained economic development.

As climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, the need for immediate, coordinated intervention has never been more urgent. Confronting this global challenge head-on, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Senegal, in collaboration with the Global Water Organisation (GWO), recently convened a critical high-level ministerial dialogue.

Held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the event, titled “United for Water: A Call for Collective Action”, brought together a diverse coalition of leaders. Ministers, senior government officials, representatives from multilateral development banks, United Nations agencies, and water sector pioneers gathered at the United Nations Headquarters. Their shared objective was clear: to evaluate the growing pressures on global water resources and outline practical pathways to secure a water-resilient future.

The Imperative for Global Cooperation

Water security is no longer a peripheral environmental issue; it is the fundamental bedrock of societal resilience. The UNGA dialogue underscored how water access intersects with every facet of human survival, from food security and robust public health to climate adaptation and economic continuity. During the opening session, high-level political commitment was demonstrated through remarks from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Multilateral Affairs of Saudi Arabia and the High Representative of the President of the Republic of Senegal, supplemented by a special address from the UN Special Envoy on Water.

Emphasising the necessity of a unified approach, H.E. Dr. Fahad Balghunaim, Head of the GWO Founding Team, articulated the core mission of the assembly:

“Water underpins public health, food security, economic development, climate resilience and stability. Your presence here reflects the importance the international community places on water, and we must now translate that commitment into tangible results. This means aligning financing with credible priorities, accelerating high-impact innovation, strengthening access to reliable data and building institutional capacity for implementation. Collective action asks each of us to bring our strongest capabilities to a purpose we hold in common.”

Translating Dialogue into Tangible Results

A major theme of the UNGA side event was the urgent need to transition from diplomatic discourse to measurable, on-the-ground implementation. Participants actively exchanged national experiences, highlighting how governments and international institutions can forge scalable partnerships to deliver practical solutions.

To achieve these ambitious targets, the dialogue focused on several critical implementation strategies:

Mobilising Sustainable Financing: Identifying new funding mechanisms and aligning global capital with priority water infrastructure projects.
Fostering High-Impact Innovation: Developing and deploying advanced technologies to optimise water management, conservation, and distribution.
Enhancing Data Accessibility: Strengthening the collection and sharing of reliable data to inform evidence-based policy and governance.
Building Institutional Capacity: Equipping local and national bodies with the expertise required for practical delivery at scale.

By strengthening the connections between governments, development partners, and key stakeholders, the international community aims to create robust frameworks that support water security and broader sustainable development goals.

A Permanent Framework: The Global Water Organisation

Central to these international efforts is the Global Water Organisation. Envisioned as a permanent institutional mechanism dedicated exclusively to global water cooperation, the GWO serves as a collaborative platform connecting countries with the expertise, financing, and partnerships necessary to achieve their objectives.

First announced in September 2023 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the organisation has rapidly solidified its position. In May 2025, the GWO’s Charter was officially signed in Riyadh—which serves as its headquarters—by eight founding Member States: Greece, Kuwait, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and Spain.

Guided by its foundational vision, “United for Water”, the GWO operates across four strategic pillars to empower governments and institutions worldwide:

Facilitating Financing and Funding: Streamlining investment into critical water infrastructure and sustainable resource programmes.
Data Insights and Reporting: Providing accurate, comprehensive analytics to guide international water policy.
Research and Innovation: Driving forward-thinking solutions to overcome complex water scarcity challenges.
Policy and Governance: Assisting Member States in developing robust frameworks for effective water management.

As global water demands continue to rise, the collaborative efforts championed at the UNGA highlight a decisive shift in international diplomacy. By leveraging the structured support of the GWO, nations are better equipped to coordinate their capabilities and ensure a stable, water-secure future for generations to come.

Oman expands global reach at the 60th Marmomac Exhibition

The Sultanate of Oman has officially commenced its high-profile participation in the landmark 60th edition of Marmomac, the premier international trade fair dedicated to natural stone, innovative design, and advanced stone industry technology in Verona, Italy.

Marking a significant milestone for the nation's burgeoning industrial sector, this year's national delegation features a substantially expanded presence designed to elevate Omani marble, granite, and natural stone products on the global stage while forging robust commercial partnerships across European and international markets.

Showcasing Omani Marble and Natural Stone on the Global Stage

Held annually at the Veronafiere exhibition grounds, Marmomac is universally recognised as the world's largest and most important hub for the natural stone supply chain, encompassing everything from raw quarrying and material processing to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, specialized machinery, tools, and intricate architectural applications.

Eng. Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi, CEO of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) and Head of the Omani Products Promotion Committee (OPEX) supervisory team, emphasised the strategic importance of this major international showcase. He noted that the Sultanate's larger pavilion and increased number of participating enterprises allow national companies to capture greater market share and expand their global footprint.

“This provides the Omani companies with wider exposure to showcase their products and establish business relations with investors, buyers and specialists in the marble and natural stone sector from around the globe,” Al highlighting the immense growth potential for Omani exporters seeking new trade horizons.

Key Highlights of Oman's Exhibition Programme

Oman's comprehensive presence at Marmomac 2026 is driven by a collaborative institutional framework designed to maximise commercial outcomes and foster long-term international trade relations. Key aspects of the national participation include:

Organisational Partnership: Spearheaded collaboratively by the OPEX supervisory team, uniting Madayn, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), and Riyada.
Strategic Alignment: Directly supports the core socio-economic objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by championing economic diversification, accelerating non-oil exports, and strengthening the private sector.
Value Addition: Focuses strategically on transforming raw national natural resources into high-value, refined finished products capable of competing successfully in sophisticated international markets.
Technology and Networking: Equips Omani manufacturers with vital insights into state-of-the-art stone extraction, advanced processing innovations, and modern global trade practices through direct engagement with global peers.

Driving Long-Term Economic Growth and Innovation

As the exhibition unfolds across Verona, Omani manufacturers are actively engaging with international architects, interior designers, and stone industry specialists. By leveraging Marmomac's extensive platform—which this year features specialized cultural installations, cutting-edge architectural displays, and advanced technical seminars—Oman continues to solidify its reputation as a trusted exporter of premium natural stone, ensuring sustainable economic progress and global competitiveness for years to come.

Sharjah schools to drive energy efficiency in new SEWA partnership

The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sharjah Private Education Authority.

Embedding environmental consciousness into the foundations of education is becoming a cornerstone for regional sustainable development, ensuring that the next generation grows up equipped with practical knowledge of resource preservation.

The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sharjah Private Education Authority. This landmark partnership aims to bolster collaboration in raising awareness and training private school students across the Emirate of Sharjah on the optimal utilisation of natural resources, sustainable practices, and safe electricity and water consumption.

By focusing on educational environments as incubators for environmental stewardship, the initiative bridges theoretical knowledge with tangible, everyday actions. Schools serve as ideal platforms for cultivating lifelong habits, making this alliance a vital stepping stone toward long-term ecological resilience and energy security in the region.

Collaborative Framework and Core Initiatives

The newly established framework sets out a comprehensive blueprint for active student engagement and institutional cooperation. Designed to seamlessly integrate sustainability into school life, the agreement encompasses several key operational pillars:

Interactive Workshops and Lectures: Delivery of specialised educational sessions focusing on resource conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental protection.
Innovative Awareness Campaigns: Launching engaging campaigns tailored for private school students to foster responsible consumption habits.
Specialised Committees: Formation of joint committees and working groups from both authorities to implement structured joint programmes and distribute targeted educational materials.
Guidance and Safety Campaigns: Organising targeted campaigns covering security, safety, and best practices in electricity and water usage.
Joint Educational Forums: Hosting collaborative forums designed to support the overarching objectives of the sustainability campaign and share best practices across institutions.

Leadership Insights and Strategic Vision

Senior officials from both entities underscored the far-reaching significance of the agreement during the signing ceremony. Majid Hreiml Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Corporate Support Department at SEWA, noted that the initiative forms part of the authority's broader strategy and its commitment to social responsibility and environmental protection. He emphasised that targeting students represents an important investment in building an aware and responsible society that understands the importance of sustainability and resource conservation. Furthermore, he highlighted that "SEWA is keen to strengthen cooperation with various organisations to promote the responsible use of resources and raise awareness of the importance of conserving electricity and water through a range of programmes targeting different segments of society."

Echoing this sentiment, Taher Ahmed Al Mehrizi, Director of the Administrative Affairs Sector at the Sharjah Private Education Authority, highlighted the transformative potential of early-stage education. He stated that "The MoU represents a significant step towards strengthening institutional partnership and embedding a culture of sustainability among private school students in Sharjah." He noted that "awareness begins at school, adding that instilling positive behaviours in the use of energy and wat opment efforts in the emira

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

As urban centres across the UAE continue to expand, initiatives that unite utility providers and educational regulators play an indispensable role in promoting resource efficiency. By equipping students with the tools to champion sustainability within their classrooms and homes, Sharjah is fostering a resilient community culture dedicated to environmental preservation for decades to come.

Global Quantum X launches at GISEC to shape quantum era

GQX is set to debut alongside GISEC 2027 from May 4 to 6, 2027, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre.

Traditional encryption methods, which have long safeguarded sensitive government data, financial networks, and critical infrastructure, face severe vulnerabilities from next-generation computing power.

In response to this looming technological paradigm shift, governments, regulatory bodies, and organisations worldwide are urgently pivoting towards quantum-safe migration, proactive defence strategies, and advanced cryptographic frameworks to protect their digital ecosystems against sophisticated future attacks.

This critical evolution takes centre stage with the official announcement of Global Quantum X (GQX) by GITEX, launched in strategic partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council. Designed as a pioneering dedicated global platform for quantum technology, GQX is set to debut alongside GISEC 2027 from May 4 to 6, 2027, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. The high-profile initiative aims to accelerate cross-border collaboration, foster international investment, and spearhead national readiness testing in one of the technology sector's most rapidly expanding and transformative frontiers, setting a new benchmark for international cyber resilience.

Bridging the Security Gap in a New Era

The convergence of rapid quantum advancements and modern cybersecurity has become an urgent operational priority for global enterprises and sovereign states alike. While quantum computing promises revolutionary breakthroughs across diverse scientific and commercial fields, it simultaneously threatens the cryptographic foundations underpinning global digital trust and secure communications. Organisations can no longer afford to treat quantum readiness as a distant future concern; immediate strategic action is required to future-proof critical digital infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data flows, and ensure uninterrupted economic stability.

Highlighting the strategic importance of this landmark initiative, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, stated: “Launching Global Quantum X allows us to bring quantum-safe migration, sovereign cryptographic capability and national readiness testing to a truly global stage, and to help governments and enterprises everywhere close the gap between today's defences and tomorroreats,”

Echoing this perspective on the shifting technological landscape, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of inD, organiser of GISEC Global and GQX, emphasised the inseparable nature of these technical disciplines: "The same computing power that will unlock breakthroughs in medicine, materials and finance will also put today's encryption at risk, which is why quantum and cybersecurity can no longer be dealt with sepa

Powering the Trillion-Dollar Quantum Economy

The extraordinary urgency behind quantum preparedness is heavily underscored by substantial economic projections and rapidly growing enterprise investments across multiple vital sectors. As international industries prepare for a completely reimagined digital order, key market metrics highlight the vast scale of this technological transition and the critical need for proactive adaptation:

Massive Economic Value: According to McKinsey’s Quantum Technology Monitor, quantum technology is projected to unlock an astounding $2.7 trillion in global economic value over the coming decade.
Accelerated Enterprise Spending: Approximately one-third of major global enterprises are already committing more than $10 million annually to dedicated quantum and advanced security initiatives.
Commercial Adoption: Industries are rapidly transitioning from theoretical exploration to commercial deployment, necessitating robust security frameworks, strict governance, and advanced cryptographic capabilities to maintain long-term business continuity.

Fostering International Resilience and Collaboration

Global Quantum X directly addresses the critical need for sovereign cryptographic capabilities and comprehensive national resilience. As national security authorities, cybersecurity experts, and enterprise leaders grapple with the complex realities of the post-quantum era, dedicated events like GQX provide the essential collaborative framework required to evaluate vulnerabilities, share threat intelligence, and establish unified international standards. By uniting global policymakers, industry researchers, and technology innovators in Dubai, the initiative will help safeguard critical digital assets against unprecedented threats long before quantum computers reach full operational maturity.

Dubai enhances cybersecurity and financial oversight integration

The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) and the Financial Audit Authority (FAA) have officially joined forces through a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The pursuit of a resilient, world-leading digital economy relies heavily on robust institutional integration, seamless knowledge exchange, and advanced regulatory frameworks.

Across the Emirate of Dubai, public sector entities continually refine their cooperative strategies to stay ahead of complex technological and financial challenges in an increasingly interconnected era. Modern governance demands that administrative oversight and cybersecurity infrastructure evolve in tandem, ensuring that digital innovation does not outpace institutional security. In a major milestone toward unified digital resilience, the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) and the Financial Audit Authority (FAA) have officially joined forces through a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Signed by Abdulrahman Al Hareb, Director-General of the FAA, and Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Chief Executive Officer of DESC, this strategic agreement establishes a robust institutional framework designed to enhance system efficiency, operational readiness, and compliance assessment across government operations. By bridging the critical domains of cybersecurity and public financial oversight, the partnership sets a new benchmark for cross-sector collaboration in modern public administration. It underscores the shared understanding that safeguarding public assets requires an integrated approach that connects technological defense with rigorous financial accountability.

Key Pillars and Collaborative Framework

The newly minted agreement introduces structured mechanisms for capacity development and mutual technical support across both institutions. Rather than operating in isolated administrative silos, both organisations will pool their accumulated institutional knowledge to refine core oversight practices, streamline reporting workflows, and elevate professional standards.

Key facets of the collaborative framework include:

Knowledge Transfer and Best Practices: Mutual exchange of technical and professional expertise across audit, oversight, and compliance assessment, encompassing planning, implementation, and reporting methodologies.
Capacity Building and Training: Organisation of joint training programmes, specialized workshops, and active participation in relevant seminars, conferences, and industry events to cultivate specialized talent.
Procedural Development: Joint cooperation in formulating advanced procedural guidelines, frameworks, and operational models tailored for modern audit and digital oversight functions.
Data and System Resilience: Enhancing preparedness against emerging vulnerabilities tied to complex digital environments, data systems, and interconnected networks across the public sector.

Leadership Perspectives on Strategic Integration

Addressing the significance of the partnership, leadership from both authorities emphasized that contemporary governance requires a unified team approach and active collaboration.

Abdulrahman Al Hareb noted that "the MoU reflects FAA's commitment to expanding institutional cooperation and exchanging specialised expertise to develop oversight tools and methodologies and enhance the ability to address risks associated with systems, t". He further stressed that "effective oversight depends not only on tools and methodologies but also on integrating expertise, exchanging knowledge and benefiting from specialised capabilities across government entities".

Echoing this sentiment, Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani stated that "the agreement reflects DESC's commitment to advancing a government approach that keeps pace with rapid developments in the digital environment and strengthens the protection of systems and data in accordance with the highest standards and prac added that "cybersecurity is a shared responsibility requiring integrated expertise and teamwork, noting that the partnership will support practical and proactive solutions tnsformation".

Towards a Secure Digital Future

As government agencies worldwide navigate an increasingly digital landscape, partnerships that merge financial accountability with rigorous cyber defence are paramount for long-term stability. By combining the rigorous auditing practices of the Financial Audit Authority with the cutting-edge cybersecurity expertise of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, Dubai continues to reinforce its administrative integrity and resilience. This strategic alignment ensures that public sector digital assets remain secure, institutional capabilities grow stronger, and the emirate's broader digital transformation roadmap advances on a stable, secure foundation for years to come.

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