On the sidelines of a pre-COP29 event, Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, held a meeting with Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, to discuss water management and governance, as well as areas of mutual interest in preparation for the upcoming UAE-Senegal Water Conference in 2026.
Cooperation in water tech
Fu highlighted Singapore’s long-standing investments in water management, emphasizing the city-state’s advances in drainage, desalination, and water reuse. She also stressed that Singapore supports water conservation with the absence of subsidies, ensuring efficient usage by the population.
Technology, including biomimicry, also plays a vital role in maximizing the efficiency of both water usage and the energy for desalination.
The UAE’s efforts in water management include launching the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the severity of the global water scarcity crisis while developing innovative technological solutions to address it. Balalaa also discussed the UAE’s upcoming technology challenge for membrane development, expressing a keen interest in engaging Singaporean companies to participate and exhibit at the event.
Mitigating water challenges in Southeast Asia
The meeting also explored broader water governance issues, particularly in Southeast Asia. Fu emphasized the need for strong governance to address water losses, infrastructure gaps, and the impact of climate change on water management, especially in agriculture and coastal areas. She noted that governance and policy must complement technological solutions to mitigate water challenges across the region.
During the pre-COP29 meeting, Singapore also invited the UAE to participate in the 2025 edition of Singapore International Water Week, a biannual event that spotlights water innovation and solutions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation on water technology and governance, with a focus on sharing best practices and driving sustainable solutions.
Promoting sustainable development with Barbados
On the sidelines of the pre-COP29 event, UAE’s Balalaa also met with Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Barbados, in Baku to discuss deepening cooperation between the two countries in addressing water challenges and promoting sustainable development.
During the meeting, Munro-Knight shared Barbados’ ongoing efforts to address critical water management issues, noting the country’s focus on developing the region’s first Water Equilibrium Policy. The discussions also highlighted the Caribbean region’s water stress challenges and the need for innovative solutions, particularly within the water-energy nexus.
The two parties also explored opportunities for collaboration in preparation for the UAE-Senegal Water Conference in 2026, with an emphasis on technological innovation and sustainable water management. In addition, they agreed to further explore these synergies at COP29, with a potential consultation involving the wider Caribbean region.
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