By Abdullahi Lukman
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy has called for stronger regional cooperation on food and water security, warning that both resources should not be used as instruments of war or political pressure.
Fahmy said water and food security are central to comprehensive Arab national security, while stressing that Arab water rights are matters of sovereignty and security as well as areas for cooperation based on shared interests.
He made the remarks in Cairo at the launch of the 14th Arab Report on Cultural Development, titled “Arab Food and Water Security: Accumulated Crises and Promising Initiatives.” The report was published by the Arab Thought Foundation and launched at the headquarters of the Arab League’s General Secretariat.
Fahmy urged Arab countries to shift from responding to crises after they emerge to anticipating and preparing for potential threats.
He said the General Secretariat is working to establish an Arab early-warning and foresight system that would connect water, food and climate security indicators with political, economic, social and security factors.
According to him, deeper Arab integration in these areas has become a practical necessity, requiring countries to pool their different capabilities and expertise to build stronger regional capacity to address emerging risks.
Fahmy also said the report should serve as more than an assessment of existing challenges. He called for its recommendations to be translated into practical initiatives that can strengthen joint Arab institutions and mechanisms for addressing food and water security.
