Lam Tungwar: South Sudan seeks international partnerships to improve water management

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation says South Sudan is seeking international partnerships to strengthen water management, improve flood forecasting and develop climate-resilient infrastructure as its delegation attends the 9th Cairo Water Week in Egypt.

The event opened on October 25 in Cairo, bringing together ministers and delegates from 119 countries. It was inaugurated by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Undersecretary at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Sultan Lam Tungwar Kueigwong, who is leading South Sudan’s delegation, said the country wants to strengthen Integrated Water Resources Management and adopt modern technologies for flood forecasting, groundwater assessment and water quality monitoring.

In a statement, Kueigwong said water is central to South Sudan’s peace, livelihoods and development, making international technical cooperation and sustainable water infrastructure important national priorities.

He said the forum provides an opportunity for South Sudan to exchange experiences, learn from other countries and build partnerships to support sustainable development.

Cairo Water Week was launched in 2018 and has developed into a major water forum for Africa and the Middle East. This year’s theme is “Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet.”

Kueigwong also said South Sudan is preparing to participate in the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, scheduled for December 8–10 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The conference will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, with discussions expected to focus on accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.