Iraq is grappling with some of the world’s most complex water challenges, Iraqi Water Resources Minister Aoun Diab said on Saturday, urging neighboring countries to collaborate on shared water resources to prevent further scarcity.

Speaking at the fifth Baghdad International Water Conference, Diab stressed that regional cooperation is essential to ensuring water security and sustainable development.

"The great danger is not water scarcity itself, but the lack of cooperation in this field," he warned. "International cooperation in the management of shared rivers in the region and the world is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity."

Diab called on countries sharing the Tigris and Euphrates rivers—primarily Turkey, Iran, and Syria—to engage in joint water management "in a spirit of brotherhood and shared responsibility."

He also revealed that Iraq has drafted an ambitious water strategy, now in progress, aimed at protecting resources and meeting sustainable development goals.

"The theme of this year's conference includes a vision for water that balances need with the protection of water resources," Diab said, highlighting Iraq’s efforts to forge international partnerships for integrated water management.

The conference comes as Iraq faces severe water shortages, exacerbated by climate change, upstream dam projects, and inefficient water use. Experts warn that without urgent regional cooperation, the crisis could deepen, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and stability.