Environment, Forests, Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today called upon the OIC member country to work in unison to ensure water security and its access to all alongside its sustainability.  
 
“It is essential for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries to work together to ensure water security, its sustainable use and access to water for all,” he said.
 
The Adviser made the remarks while addressing the fifth session of the Islamic Conference of Ministers in Charge of Water in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia today, a ministry press release   said here today.
 
She also said, “Water is not just a natural resource, it is the basis of life, development and peace. It is possible to ensure the future of sustainable water only through the collective efforts and mutual cooperation of OIC countries to address the global water crisis.”
 
The Adviser mentioned that climate change, increasing salinity in coastal areas; decreasing groundwater levels and pollution of freshwater are   seriously increasing. 
 
“To address these challenges, joint research and exchange of experiences among OIC countries and increased investment in sustainable water management are needed,” she opined.
 
On the sidelines of the conference, Syeda Rizwana Hasan held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman  Abdulmohsen  Al-Fadley.
 
During the meeting, the adviser sought Saudi cooperation in rainwater harvesting for safe drinking water in the coastal saline areas of Bangladesh and in climate-resilient water supply systems.
 
At the time, she said that the government of Bangladesh is interested in building long-term partnerships with OIC member countries to strengthen regional cooperation in water governance, capacity building and information exchange.
 
The adviser said mutual cooperation among Muslim countries can play an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).