Global Water Crisis Demands Data-Driven Cooperation, Says IWMI Director at World Governments Summit 2026
At the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai, Mark Smith, Director General of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), highlighted the urgent need for stronger international cooperation and data-driven governance to address growing global water challenges. Speaking during a plenary session on the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus, Smith emphasized that while water conflicts between countries remain rare, competition over water resources at the community level can fuel instability and governance breakdowns, particularly in fragile regions such as the Middle East and North Africa.
Smith stressed that water should not be viewed solely as a constraint, but as a driver of sustainable development and cross-sector solutions. He pointed to successful examples such as India’s PM-Kusum solar irrigation initiative and integrated planning in Ghana’s Volta River Basin, where coordinated approaches to water, agriculture, and renewable energy have improved economic and environmental outcomes.
He also highlighted the growing role of advanced technologies, including Earth observation systems, artificial intelligence, and Digital Twin platforms, in transforming water governance. These innovations are enabling governments and communities to access more accurate data, improve planning, and identify balanced solutions across interconnected sectors.
Smith concluded that stronger cooperation, evidence-based policies, and shared data systems are essential for building sustainable and resilient water futures globally.
