Hazim El-Naser

During his career in the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation over the years (1991-2001 and 2013-2018), he worked on several important and strategic water studies and projects internally and regionally, which played a major role in alleviating water crisis in a country considered as the water poorest country in the world.
In his time through many ministerial positions, particularly water, irrigation, and agriculture during the years (2001-2005) and (2013-2018), he also worked on the development of water and agriculture strategies, various policies, and investment programs for many years to come with the aim of increasing water availability, protection of resources and water security for water and agricultural sectors.

He managed during his tenure as Minister of Water in Jordan, two major water crises: the Iraqi refugees’ crisis in 2002-2003, and the Syrian crisis in 2013, without major water problems.

In 2005-2013, he served as a consultant to the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the United Nations in the field of water and the environment.

He has published more than 65 papers in international scientific journals in the field of water resources management, environment, and irrigated agriculture. In 2009 Published a book “Scarce Water Management: A Middle Eastern Experience”, London, UK. Published more than 20 technical articles on Arab and Middle Eastern waters through the Middle East Water Forum platform publications.

He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Jordan and a Doctorate from Munich Technical University and Würzburg University in water management and has also completed postdoctoral studies in environmental economics from Harvard University. Fluent in English and German and has several high-profile Jordanian and international Medals.

In 2018, he founded the Middle East Water Forum, a voluntary initiative to serve the Countries of the Middle East and North Africa, in particular the Arab countries.