As preparations gather momentum for the 2026 United Nations : UN Water Conference , strengthening food and water security across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is emerging as a critical policy priority. Against the backdrop of growing resource pressures, climate challenges, and increasing demand, building resilient and sustainable food and water systems will be essential to securing the region’s long-term stability and development.
In this context, ORF Middle East is convening a closed-door roundtable to examine key insights and policy recommendations from its compendium, Policy Pathways for Food and Water Security in the MENA Region. The discussion will bring together perspectives on the region’s evolving food and water challenges and explore practical approaches to addressing interconnected resource vulnerabilities.
UN Water Conference Addressing the Food-Water-Energy Nexus
A central focus of the roundtable will be the food-water-energy nexus, recognising the interdependence of these three critical resources. The discussion will explore how integrated policy approaches can help improve resource efficiency, strengthen sustainability, and enhance the resilience of food and water systems across the region.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Investment
The roundtable will also examine opportunities to advance regional cooperation, mobilise investment, and encourage innovation in addressing shared food and water security challenges. Participants will consider how stronger governance frameworks, coordinated policy action, and technological solutions can support more effective and sustainable resource management.
As the MENA region prepares for the 2026 UN Water Conference, the exchange aims to contribute to a forward-looking policy dialogue on translating research and recommendations into actionable pathways. By bringing together regional expertise and diverse perspectives, the discussion seeks to identify priorities for building resilient food and water systems and strengthening collective responses to the region’s interconnected challenges.
The roundtable will ultimately contribute to shaping policy conversations ahead of the global conference, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships, sustained investment, innovation, and effective governance in advancing food and water security across MENA.
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