The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been honored with the 8th King Hassan II Great World Water Prize at the 10th World Water Forum, held in Bali, Indonesia. This prestigious award, established in 2002 by the World Water Council in collaboration with Morocco, commemorates the late King Hassan II’s dedication to international cooperation and the sustainable management of water resources.
The award includes a $500,000 prize, along with a trophy and certificate, recognizing FAO’s exceptional efforts in the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of global water resources. The prize was presented by Aziz Akhannouch, Head of the Moroccan Government, to FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, in the presence of Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, and Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council.
This year’s prize theme, “Securing Water Resources for Food Sovereignty and Shared Prosperity,” attracted 84 high-quality entries focused on water-related issues. In his acceptance speech, QU Dongyu expressed deep gratitude for the recognition of FAO’s contributions to global water security. He emphasized the organization’s recent initiatives to integrate water into its Strategic Framework 2022-31, Climate Change and Science and Innovation thematic strategies, and across all aspects of FAO’s work. He also highlighted FAO’s support for member countries in sustainable agriculture and water management, including the development of National Water Roadmaps, irrigation needs and potential mapping, flood impact assessments, and risk management.
The King Hassan II Great World Water Prize is awarded every three years during a special ceremony at the World Water Forum. This award serves as a tribute to the late King Hassan II’s vision and leadership in promoting international cooperation and sustainable water resource management.