Objective: Access to Water (SDG6) – Where Does the Mediterranean Stand? Marco Rago Participates in the Ministerial Roundtable in Marrakech

Marco Rago, Vice President of the Organizing Committee of the Forum and Advisor for Development Cooperation to Minister Antonio Tajani, spoke at the special Ministerial Roundtable held during the XIX World Water Congress, which took place in Marrakech during the first week of December.

The meeting gathered delegates from over 30 countries, along with international institutions and organizations, focusing on ongoing and future actions to achieve SDG6 of the Sustainable Development Agenda (“Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”). According to continuous monitoring by United Nations agencies, this goal remains significantly behind in terms of progress, with several critical issues particularly evident in the Mediterranean region.

The discussion highlighted several common action points aligned with the recommendations emerging from the activities carried out under the project “One Water, for a fair and sustainable use of water resources.” This initiative, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and implemented by CIHEAM in collaboration with the One Water Committee, involved active participation from Mediterranean countries, from the Maghreb to the Mashreq and the Balkans.
Among these, particular attention was repeatedly drawn to:

• Promoting water-use efficiency across all sectors, from agriculture to industry and domestic consumption.
• Increasing the implementation of integrated water resources management at all levels.
• Improving infrastructure and strengthening investment plans to modernize distribution networks and reduce water losses.
• Advancing water digitalization through innovative applications based on satellite technologies and artificial intelligence tools for water resource management across sectors.
• Upgrading and improving wastewater treatment plants, including the adoption of innovative technologies.
• Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
• Investing in communication and public awareness initiatives to promote sustainable water management, reduce waste, and encourage responsible behavior among citizens.

In his intervention, Councillor Rago provided an overview of the Italian situation and the various ongoing actions aimed at achieving SDG6. He also recalled the upcoming Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, scheduled for September 2026, as both a key platform for cooperation among governments and stakeholders and an important opportunity to raise public awareness.