In his closing remarks at the 8th Cairo Water Week, Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly declared the Nile River a matter of "existence" for Egypt, stressing that it is not subject to compromise. Speaking at the conclusion of the international water policy conference, he emphasized the complex and fragile nature of Egypt's water system, noting the country relies on the Nile for over 98% of its water needs.
“Egypt faces a highly complex water situation,” Madbouly said, highlighting that climate change has exacerbated the challenges facing the Nile Delta. “The Nile, for Egypt, is not just a river—it is a matter of life and death.”
The Prime Minister underscored that Nile water is not a commodity granted by any party but rather a shared environmental system that flows through several countries. He dismissed the notion of "ownership shares" in the river, saying such claims defy both scientific understanding and international law.
“No one owns the Nile,” he stated. “It is a natural system that binds all riparian nations together, and any claim of exclusive entitlement goes against the principles of fairness, legality, and sustainability.”
Dr. Madbouly also emphasized Egypt’s longstanding commitment to regional development, particularly across Africa, noting that Egypt has consistently played a constructive role in supporting the growth of Nile Basin countries. “True development is built on cooperation, not harm,” he said.
He noted that while Nile Basin countries are not facing severe water scarcity, Egypt continues to struggle with resource limitations that make the protection of its water rights essential.
Cairo Water Week, now in its eighth edition, has become a key international platform for dialogue on water security and sustainable development. The 2025 forum drew global experts, ministers, and policy leaders, addressing the mounting challenges facing water-stressed nations amid climate change.
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