The 5th Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water (ICMW) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 20–22 October 2025, with the objective of strengthening cooperation among OIC member states.
The conference served as a high-level platform for developing a mutual understanding on key issues such as water security, sustainable development, water management, and the impacts of climate change on water resources, and for discussing potential solutions to common challenges. The main theme of the conference was “From Vision to Impact.” Building upon the OIC Water Vision adopted during the 2nd ICMW held in Istanbul in 2012, and the establishment of the OIC Water Council following the 3rd ICMW hosted by Türkiye, the conference reviewed the progress achieved since the 4th ICMW and the 2nd OIC Water Council meeting held in Egypt in 2018. Discussions focused on practical steps and implementation plans for the 2025–2027 period.
Through technical reports presented by the OIC institutions — the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), SESRIC, and COMSTECH — up-to-date data were shared on available financing opportunities, knowledge exchange mechanisms, and efforts to strengthen innovation capacity in the water sector. In particular, the 2025 OIC Water Report prepared by SESRIC provided a comprehensive analysis of renewable water resources and water efficiency trends across OIC member states.
Representing Türkiye, experts from the Turkish Water Institute (SUEN), the GD for EU and Foreign Relations, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in the conference. Türkiye served as Vice-Chair of both the Senior Officials Meeting (20–21 October) and the Ministerial Session (22 October), and contributed actively to the drafting of the resolution text.
During the Ministerial Session on 22 October 2025, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ebubekir Gizligider, addressed the conference, emphasizing that water is not merely a natural resource but the foundation of life, prosperity, and peace. Deputy Minister Gizligider stated, “Islamic civilization regards water as a trust. In our faith, water is charity, water is justice, and water is an entrusted blessing. Therefore, managing water is not only an engineering task but also a moral responsibility.” He underlined Türkiye’s commitment to effective and sustainable water management through national initiatives such as the Water Efficiency Campaign, the National Water Plan, Basin Management Plans, and the Wastewater Reuse Program. He also noted that Türkiye applies an agriculture planning model based on water availability, which contributes to productivity and climate resilience.
Deputy Minister Gizligider proposed the establishment of an “OIC Water Cooperation Framework Agenda” and a corresponding “OIC Water Cooperation Initiative” to enhance policy coordination, financing, capacity development, and technology exchange among member states. Highlighting Türkiye’s water diplomacy approach based on mutual responsibility and cooperation in transboundary waters, he also referred to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing that denying access to clean water constitutes a violation of international law. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to cooperate with UN agencies and the IsDB to rehabilitate Gaza’s water infrastructure.
At the conclusion of his address, Deputy Minister Gizligider invited all member states to three major upcoming events to be hosted by Türkiye:
· The High-Level Panel on Preventing Food and Water Waste – Protecting the Future, to be held under the auspices of First Lady Mrs. Emine Erdoğan on 28 November 2025 in Istanbul;
· 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, to be organized jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5–6 May 2026; and
· IWRA 20th World Water Congress, which Türkiye will host in 2027.
The resolutions adopted at the conference highlighted the significance of water for development, financing mechanisms, technological transformation, and innovation, reaffirming the need for enhanced cooperation among OIC member states. The OIC Water Council for the 2025–2027 term was established, including member countries Iraq, Egypt, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, alongside the OIC General Secretariat and related OIC institutions.
Türkiye was re-elected as a member of the OIC Water Council representing the Asian Group, reaffirming its strong role in shaping the OIC’s water agenda and promoting regional cooperation. The 5th ICMW thus marked a new phase of mutual vision and solidarity among OIC countries in water policy and governance.
