UAE, Barbados strengthen cooperation on water sustainability initiatives

On the sidelines of Pre-COP29 meetings, Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, met with Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office of Barbados, in Baku to discuss deepening cooperation between the two countries in addressing water challenges and promoting sustainable development. During the meeting, Munro-Knight shared Barbados' ongoing efforts to address critical water management issues, noting the country's focus on developing the region's first Water Equilibrium Policy. The discussions highlighted the Caribbean region's water stress challenges and the need for innovative solutions, particularly within the water-energy nexus. Both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in preparation for the UAE-Senegal Water Conference in 2026, with an emphasis on technological innovation and sustainable water management. Balalaa highlighted the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Innovation Challenge (MBZWI), an initiative aimed at fosterin g innovative water solutions, which was well received by Barbados. Both sides agreed to further explore these synergies at COP29, with a potential consultation involving the wider Caribbean region. The UAE and Barbados reaffirmed their commitment to advancing global water sustainability and leveraging technology to drive progress