Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Water Resources Management and Governance

The session explores how AI can address growing water scarcity challenges in the Near East and North Africa region. With pressures from climate change, population growth, and agricultural demands, the session highlights AI’s potential to optimize irrigation, monitor water resources in real time, model groundwater systems, and forecast droughts and floods. It also emphasizes the role of AI in improving transparency and governance in water allocation. The 90-minute session aims to showcase practical applications, share country experiences, and foster dialogue on ethical frameworks and regional cooperation. Expected outcomes include identifying strategic entry points for AI in national water strategies and generating actionable recommendations for inclusive and accountable AI adoption in the water sector.

14:00 - 15:30 (ICELAND)
Day 3

Conveners

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Chairman

Moderator

Ambassador. Walid Saleh / Senior Programme Officer

Speakers

Dr. Sadd Shannak / Professor
Dr. Hadeel Hosney / Senior Lecturer and Researcher
Dr. Ahmed Elnaggar / Lecturer/Researcher in Irrigation Engineering
Ms. Shimaa Elshafie / -
Ms. Heba AlHariry / Land and Water Officer
Mr. Abdulhakim Elwaer / FAO Assistant Director- General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa.