The world is currently facing multiple challenges related to water scarcity, population growth, and climate change, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned.

These problems disrupt the hydrological cycle, the foreign minister stated during the sessions of the 5th edition of the Cairo Water Week.

He affirmed that Egypt is one of the countries most affected worldwide by the lack of the vital liquid.

According to official data, this North African nation depends on the Nile River to cover 97 percent of the needs of its 104 million inhabitants.

The country has an annual water availability of 60 billion cubic meters, but its consumption is around 114 billion.

The event will also address issues such as promoting innovations in water issues, integrated management policies, and sustainable solutions for managing this resource.

The activities include high-level sessions, workshops, presentations, and speeches by scientists and experts worldwide.

This event is part of the preparatory meetings that Egypt is holding for the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Climate Agreement, to be held in the seaside resort of Sharm El Sheikh in November.

mh/iff/jf/rob