The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands at the epicenter of the global water crisis. With 12 of the world’s 17 most water-stressed countries and only 1% of global freshwater serving nearly 6% of the population, the region faces an existential challenge.

In this powerful address made for the 2025 IDRA Water and Climate Summit in Reykjavik, Dr. Ferid Belhaj, former World Bank Vice President for MENA, outlines the urgency—and opportunity—of confronting this crisis head-on.

Key Takeaways

• A Present Emergency: By 2030, water demand could exceed supply by 50%; by 2050, water stress could cut regional GDP by up to 14%.
• The Water–Energy Nexus: Water production and power generation are deeply intertwined; renewables must drive both.
• Technology as a Solution: Solar- and wind-powered desalination can reduce costs by up to 60%, making sustainability scalable.
• A $500 Billion Investment: The cost of inaction is far greater. Mobilizing financing through PPPs, green bonds, and sukuks can secure long-term water resilience.
• Regional Cooperation: Shared resources demand shared solutions—water does not respect borders.

“The financial and technological tools exist. What’s needed now is political will.”
— Dr. Ferid Belhaj