UAE Conducts International Dialogues To Prepare For The 2026 UN Water Conference On Water Scarcity

The UAE delegation engaged in international discussions during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) to prepare for the 2026 UN Water Conference. This event, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, will take place in December 2026 in the UAE. The discussions followed the adoption of a UN resolution outlining the conference's modalities.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the UAE's dedication to global water cooperation. He praised President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership in launching the "Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative." This initiative aims to raise awareness about water scarcity and promote technological solutions.

The UAE is eager to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted their commitment to working with international partners to tackle water scarcity and ensure sustainable access to clean water for everyone. The conference seeks to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on sustainable water management.

A comprehensive preparatory process will precede the conference, aiming to set priorities and targets with a results-oriented approach. The UAE and Senegal have engaged with non-governmental stakeholders, including international organisations, private sectors, civil society, academia, and UN entities.

High-level meetings were conducted with governments and partner organisations to build momentum for the Water Conference. During these discussions at the UN General Assembly, the UAE welcomed Retno L.P. Marsudi from Indonesia as the UN Special Envoy for Water.

The UAE delegation also met with Marsudi as part of bilateral meetings involving other government officials. These meetings focused on cooperative efforts for the upcoming conference.

Addressing Global Water Challenges

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, emphasised broad international cooperation's importance for a successful 2026 UN Water Conference. He highlighted achieving tangible results on the ground as essential for ensuring a sustainable water future.

The dialogues complement earlier discussions held by the UAE and Senegal at global forums like Bali's 10th World Water Forum and Stockholm's World Water Week.

Urgent Need for Accelerated Progress

With six years left until achieving Sustainable Development Goals, urgent action is needed in the water sector. Despite progress, 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water access, while 3.5 billion lack safe sanitation services.

Current estimates suggest increasing global efforts sixfold for drinking water provision, fivefold for sanitation, and threefold for hygiene is necessary. An urgent coordinated response from the international community is crucial to accelerate progress.

Building on Past Efforts

The UAE and Senegal aim to build on existing efforts while preparing for the UN Water Conference in collaboration with relevant parties. This approach aligns with objectives outlined in February 2024's "Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative," enhancing international cooperation against global water scarcity challenges.

With inputs from WAM