RIYADH: The 11th World Water Forum will be staged in Saudi Arabia in 2027, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. World Water Council officials declared the Kingdom as host for the international gathering after it secured a majority vote over Italy. The forum will highlight the Saudi government’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals, conserving water, improving standards of living, and its key role in addressing regional and global issues related to water supplies. Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli noted that the Kingdom’s successful bid to host the event showcased its achievements in meeting developmental, economic, and societal targets despite water scarcity. He pointed out that the country’s National Water Strategy had helped in establishing comprehensive institutional frameworks and effective plans to ensure the supply of safe, clean, high-quality water at affordable prices. Updated laws would encourage increased private-sector involvement in the industry, while improving access to clean and safe water for all and promoting the need for water management through sustainable methods in line with Vision 2030 goals. Despite being one of the countries with the scarcest water resources in the world, Saudi Arabia possesses modern and advanced infrastructure, regulations, and legislation regulating the sector. The World Water Council organizes the World Water Forum every three years with a host country, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and nurturing cooperation between global parties.