H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK addressed the High-Level Panel on Water Efficiency during the 5^th Istanbul International Water Forum. 

 

H.E. SELÇUK stated that water efficiency requires a systemic approach with institutional capacity at its core. She underlined that water stress is rising across many OIC countries, with 16 member countries facing critical water stress levels. She shared key insights from the “OIC Water Report 2025” which state that OIC countries hold only 13% of global renewable water, agriculture accounts for over 85% of withdrawals, and per capita availability of 3,600 m³ in the OIC region is nearly half the world average. 

 

H.E. SELÇUK also highlighted the importance of the Zero Waste Blue approach, under the Zero Waste Movement championed by H.E. Emine EDOĞAN. She encouraged further engagement in this area. H.E. SELÇUK called for transforming agricultural water use and scaling up proven, data-driven solutions through strengthened OIC cooperation frameworks.