Locations
Mrs. Ilaria Carnevali, Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kingdom of Morocco
Excellencies, President of the Regional Council of Tangier- Tetouan Alhoceima,
Distinguished Ministers,
Honorable assistance,
Dear Partners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honored to deliver these remarks on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme and would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers for their kind invitation.
I would also like to congratulate the organizers for choosing such a timely and relevant theme. This topic lies at the heart of sustainable development and undoubtedly calls for greater awareness and global reflection. It is a matter that requires the active involvement and collaboration of all key stakeholders.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are facing an escalating demand for water, food, and energy, driven by several global trends. Rapid population growth, urbanization, changing diets, and the increasing culture of consumerism are placing tremendous pressure on the delicate nexus between these resources. At the same time, economic growth and the growing impacts of climate change are further complicating this challenge.
One notable shift we are witnessing is a move away from primarily starch-based diets toward an increasing demand for meat and dairy, which are far more water-intensive. As incomes rise in many parts of the world, so does the consumption of these resource-heavy products, putting even greater strain on our water, food, and energy systems.
Addressing these interconnected challenges will require us to rethink traditional approaches to sustainable development. Only through collaboration and innovation can we begin to develop the solutions necessary to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Today, in the Arab States, water withdrawal is eight times higher than the supply of water from renewable resources, and this gap is only projected to grow. With the population expected to increase by at least 25% by 2030, combined with rapid urbanization, the demand for food and energy is rising sharply. Yet, this region continues to face severe water scarcity, a challenge that cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, 85% of water withdrawals in the Arab region are dedicated to agriculture, which highlights the crucial need for sustainable water management in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the Arab region is currently home to 50% of the world’s desalination capacity. While desalination provides a vital source of water, it is a highly energy-intensive process, requiring an average of 3.5 kWh of energy for every cubic meter of water produced.
Additionally, the region is facing a serious threat from climate change, exacerbating already harsh environmental conditions. The main risks include rising temperatures, fluctuating precipitation, and sea-level rise. These changes will have far-reaching consequences on water resources, agriculture, health, energy, infrastructure, livelihoods, and displacement.
It is imperative that we urgently adapt our development policies and practices to these new realities. To secure a more resilient and sustainable future, we must prioritize innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across all sectors. By doing so, we can build a future that is not only able to withstand the challenges ahead but also one that thrives in the face of them.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the MENA region, Morocco is widely recognized as a leader in the fields of energy transition and water desalination, thanks to its ambitious efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions and secure water supply. This leadership is directly linked to the Water-Energy-Food Security-Ecosystems Nexus, an integrated approach that is critical in addressing the interconnected challenges the country faces, particularly in the management of the water crisis and energy transition.
In the energy sector, Morocco has made significant strides by developing renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to carbon emissions reduction. This energy transition is crucial for the sustainable management of both water and agriculture, sectors that are deeply interconnected.
Desalination, for example, provides a direct response to water scarcity, particularly in arid regions. However, it is also energy-intensive, which highlights the need to integrate sustainable energy solutions to support this technology without compromising the country’s energy security.
By combining its expertise in renewable energy and desalination with sustainable agricultural strategies, Morocco is positioning itself as a key player in the implementation of the Water-Energy-Food Security-Ecosystems Nexus and in building a more sustainable and resilient future.
Ladies and gentlemen,
At UNDP, we are committed to advancing climate action in a way that brings co-benefits to water, energy, and food security. Our vision is to promote integrated solutions within the Water-Energy-Food Security-Ecosystems Nexus, which is central to addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and sustainable development.
We believe that improving water use efficiency, expanding the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, and fostering sustainable food systems are essential steps in creating a climate-resilient future. Through WEFE nexus interventions, we aim to enhance the security of these vital resources, with a particular focus on supporting the poor and vulnerable in society.
By applying UNDP’s experience and expertise in Water, Energy, Nature and Climate, we are advocating for an integrated approach to policy and planning that ensures equitable and sustainable resource use. This effort contributes to accelerating climate solutions and development pathways that strengthen community resilience, marking significant progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we look towards the future, it is clear that we must adopt a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to tackle the interconnected challenges of Water-Energy-Food Security-Ecosystems Nexus.
In summary, to make meaningful progress, I would like to put forward several critical recommendations:
Aligning Policies for Sustainable Development: It is imperative that we harmonize policies across sectors to effectively address the complex issues within the WEFE Nexus, ensuring a unified and strategic approach to sustainability.
Harnessing Green Energy for Desalination: We must scale up the use of renewable energy in desalination processes to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply, while also supporting climate-smart agricultural practices to build resilience.
Enhancing Access to Clean Energy and Sustainable Water Harvesting: Expanding access to clean energy and implementing sustainable water harvesting technologies will be key to improving food systems, reducing waste, and boosting overall food security.
Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives: It is vital that we integrate gender considerations into all aspects of the WEFE Nexus, ensuring that all communities—especially women and vulnerable groups—have equal opportunities to benefit from water, energy, and food security initiatives.
Integrating the WEF Nexus into Urban Planning: We need to embed the WEFE Nexus approach into urban planning frameworks, encouraging public-private partnerships to foster sustainable and resilient urban development.
Strengthening Climate-Resilient Systems: We must prioritize the development of climate-resilient agriculture and water management systems that can withstand the impacts of climate change and safeguard essential resources for future generations.
Empowering Local Communities: Local communities should be empowered as agents of change, enabling them to manage their resources more responsibly and promote sustainable consumption practices.
Promoting Nature-Based Solutions: We must prioritize nature-based solutions that enhance ecosystem services, protect biodiversity, and strengthen the foundation for sustainable WEFE security.
Fostering Partnerships and Private Sector involvement: Building strong partnerships and involving the private sector will be essential to ensure that sustainable practices are adopted across agriculture, water management, and energy sectors.
By adopting these recommendations, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for our region, ensuring that we address the pressing challenges of the WEFE Nexus effectively and inclusively.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Allow me to conclude by warmly thanking the participants, organizers, international, national, and local partners, as well as all the stakeholders who contributed to the organization of this highly valuable event.
The WEFE Nexus Forum is a true platform for exchange, learning, and knowledge sharing among international, national, and local stakeholders. There is no doubt that it will serve as a capacity-building platform, helping to capture the best solutions and showcase successful experiences and best practices, all of which are essential to support our territories, in their paths towards inclusive and sustainable development.
I wish you fruitful exchanges and much success.
By applying UNDP’s experience and expertise in Water, Energy, Nature and Climate, we are advocating for an integrated approach to policy and planning that ensures equitable and sustainable resource use. This effort contributes to accelerating climate solutions and development pathways that strengthen community resilience, marking significant progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
