Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the second edition of the Global Water, Energy and Climate Change Congress (GWECCC 2025), organised by the Ministry of Oil and Environment at Exhibition World Bahrain.

The congress is held under the theme "Sustainable Water & Energy Transition – Innovating for a Secure Future".

The event was attended by ministers, senior officials, specialists, and representatives of organisations and institutions concerned with natural resources and climate change from inside and outside the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah underscored Bahrain’s commitment to placing the sustainability of vital resources and a systematic approach to climate change at the forefront of its national priorities, in line with the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He emphasised the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance water and energy security and support sustainable development.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the government has established an integrated institutional framework to strengthen coordination among agencies concerned with water, energy, and climate change, through unified governance structures and regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support decision-making.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah also highlighted Bahrain’s balanced approach, which safeguards both economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability through integrated projects, including the development of water infrastructure, the adoption of alternative and clean energy sources, and awareness initiatives promoting rational consumption among individuals and institutions.

Additionally, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah commended the progress of the Water Resources Council (WRC) in implementing the National Water Strategy (2021–2030), with 67% of its initiatives completed since its launch.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that these efforts are designed to establish robust legal and regulatory frameworks for the water sector, safeguard the sustainability of strategic reserves, advance the digitalisation of water data and management, improve efficiency, conserve resources across all sectors, and build national technical and administrative capacities.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah underscored the importance of the congress, which brings together high-level policymakers and experts from the public and private sectors, enriching discussions, fostering regional and international partnerships, and broadening avenues for knowledge exchange. He expressed appreciation to the organisers for their efforts in staging this timely and significant event.

On his part, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, expressed gratitude to Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah for inaugurating the congress and for continuous support through chairing the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects and the Water Resources Council.

He said the event reflects the government’s commitment to an integrated approach to water, energy, and climate management, as well as to strengthening infrastructure readiness to meet sustainable development goals and align with global transformations in the sector.

During the event, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, which features leading local and international companies showcasing advanced technologies in water and energy.

He reviewed the latest innovations and solutions aimed at enhancing resource efficiency and supporting sustainability objectives.

The Deputy Prime Minister also visited the Creative Corner dedicated to startups, which serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs and innovators to present their projects and research in water and energy.

He was briefed on a range of promising initiatives and pioneering ideas that support Bahrain’s national efforts toward sustainable transformation.