Tokyo: At the invitation of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, led a UAE delegation to Japan to participate in commemorative engagements marking the 50th anniversary of the country's national Water Day and Water Week. The visit included an audience with His Majesty Emperor of Japan, as well as several government officials and CEOs, and featured a keynote address delivered by Balalaa at the International Symposium.
According to Emirates News Agency, the visit highlighted Japan's leadership over the past five decades in raising public awareness of the importance of water, advancing innovation, and strengthening international cooperation on sustainable water management. This commitment has positioned water as a strategic priority on both national and international agendas.
During his keynote address, Abdulla Balalaa praised Japan and Egypt for their roles in advancing global water action. He noted that as the world looks forward to the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, Japan and Egypt have shown dedication and effort as Co-Chairs of the 'Water for Planet' Interactive Dialogue. This initiative is one of six core tracks that will guide future global action on water during the conference.
The International Symposium gathered policymakers, experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the future of water management, resilience, cooperation, and innovation in sustainable development. Balalaa emphasized that climate change impacts are increasingly being felt through water-related challenges such as floods, droughts, scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. He underscored the need for integrated and resilient water management systems capable of effectively responding to these challenges.
Balalaa also highlighted the UAE's experience in water desalination, technologies, research, and innovation, pointing out that the UAE has shown how long-term planning, investment, and innovation can be key to strengthening water security resilience and supporting sustainable growth. As Co-Host of the 2026 UN Water Conference, alongside Senegal, the UAE continues to work with Dialogue Co-Chairs and global partners to build an inclusive and action-oriented process. This initiative aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, support practical, scalable solutions, strengthen water resilience, restore ecosystems, and improve the lives of communities worldwide.