Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Emmanuel Macron to tackle desertification crisis

Saudi Arabia held the One Water Summit in Riyadh on December 3, 2024, attended by many global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. During the summit, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the urgent water challenges faced worldwide, including increased droughts and desertification that threaten human life and societies. The Crown Prince emphasized Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in addressing these issues and its commitment to sustainability. Along with discussions on combating desertification, there were important meetings between Prince Mohammed and executives from leading French companies. These conversations focused on sharing knowledge, innovative technologies, and enhancing research capabilities related to water solutions, underscoring the strengthening economic and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and France. A significant highlight of the summit was the announcement of Saudi Arabia's preparations to host the World Water Forum in 2027 in collaboration with the World Water Council. This forum aims to unite various stakeholders to discuss and develop effective strategies for managing global water resources in the face of rising challenges. Additionally, the Saudi-French Investment Forum that coincided with the One Water Summit saw the signing of multiple agreements worth billions, highlighting the strong bilateral economic relations. Saudi officials praised the enduring partnership with France, promoting cooperation across several sectors, particularly in green energy. The overarching theme of sustainability was emphasized as the foundation for future economic growth, reflecting shared values between the two nations. This multi-faceted engagement at the summit marked a significant step towards addressing the urgent water crises and fostering international cooperation for sustainable environmental practices.