Welcome Message from the Minister of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco

It is a great honor for me to welcome IWRA’s XIX World Water Congress to Marrakech, a historical crossroads of cultures and exchanges. On behalf of the Ministry of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco, co-host of this prestigious event, I extend my warmest greetings to the experts, researchers, policymakers, and professionals from around the world who will gather to share their experiences and advancements on the pressing challenges related to water–particularly under uncertainties brought about by climate change and beyond.

Water is intrinsically connected to many essential systems, including energy, land, food, health, and ecosystems. Solving water-related challenges requires a comprehensive approach that considers these interconnections. As climate change accelerates and water resources come under increasing pressure, the 19th edition of the World Water Congress, under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation,” provides an excellent platform for collaboration, the establishment of strategic partnerships, and the advancement of sustainable development–aligned with key international objectives related to water and climate. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions, gain valuable insights from leading experts, and actively contribute to global initiatives aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Morocco boasts a rich hydraulic heritage and a long-standing tradition of water resource management, shaped by centuries of ingenuity and adaptation to climatic challenges. Since ancient times, civilizations that thrived on Moroccan soil have developed sophisticated infrastructures to efficiently capture, store, and distribute water.

Among these ancestral structures, the khettaras, described as a Persian invention dating back more than 2,500 years to the Almoravid era, stand as a testament to the remarkable expertise of local communities in harnessing groundwater, particularly in arid regions. The khettara system played a crucial role in sustaining agriculture and supplying oases, ensuring the resilience of populations in the face of climatic variability.

Likewise, the historic Agdal and Menara gardens in Marrakech exemplify the ingenuity of ancient Moroccans in hydraulic engineering and water management. Building on this millennia-old tradition, the Kingdom, under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has modernized its water policy while drawing inspiration from its heritage, developing a network of large dams, water transfer infrastructures, and efficient irrigation systems; mobilizing non-conventional water resources such as desalination and wastewater reuse; and improving water demand management, thereby strengthening its expertise in integrated water resources management, especially at the basin level.

We cordially invite you to join us in the Red City of Marrakech from December 1st to 5th, 2025, to engage in insightful discussions, share best practices, and work together towards a future where water remains a driver of prosperity for our planet.
I look forward to welcoming you to Marrakech!