Addressing groundwater challenges in the Arab strategy for water security.

This session will focus on the strategic importance of groundwater in achieving water security and resilience in the Arab world. It will explore the key challenges facing groundwater management, including over-extraction, pollution, data scarcity, and the impacts of climate change. The session will also highlight the role of regional cooperation, scientific research, and policy innovation in addressing these challenges within the framework of the Arab Strategy for Water Security. A central theme of the session will be the integration of groundwater governance into national and regional water strategies, with a focus on sustainable aquifer management, transboundary groundwater cooperation, and the use of advanced monitoring and modeling tools. Case studies from across the region will illustrate successful approaches and lessons learned. The session aims to foster dialogue among policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to strengthen institutional capacities and promote evidence-based decision-making. By aligning with the Arab Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6.5 on integrated water resources management, this session will contribute to a more secure and sustainable groundwater future for the Arab region.