Member States Adopt Six Interactive Dialogue Themes For The 2026 UN Water Conference

Member States have reached a consensus on the themes for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference (2026 UNWC), set to take place in the UAE in December next year. This decision signifies a crucial step towards addressing global water issues and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring water and sanitation for all. The conference aims to inspire collective action on these pressing challenges.

The UAE and Senegal, as co-hosts, have been leading an inclusive consultation process since 2024. This process involved Member States, international organisations, NGOs, civil society, the private sector, and academia. Initial inputs were gathered during an Organisational Session at the UN Headquarters in New York on 3rd March 2025. A subsequent month-long online consultation allowed stakeholders to contribute further recommendations.

The six officially adopted themes for the interactive dialogues are: Water for People, Water for Prosperity, Water for Planet, Water for Cooperation, Water in Multilateral Processes, and Investments for Water. These themes aim to guide discussions and actions at the conference to address various aspects of water management and sustainability.

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasised the shared responsibility in addressing water issues. He stated, "Water connects us all, and our actions must reflect that shared responsibility." He further highlighted the conference as an opportunity to correct course and accelerate coordinated water action globally.

The UAE's preparations included high-level meetings in New York to foster international collaboration ahead of hosting the conference. The focus is on mobilising efforts to achieve SDG6 by ensuring sustainable water management worldwide. Currently, 2.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water, while 3.5 billion lack proper sanitation facilities.

The selection process for co-chairs of each interactive dialogue will soon commence. These co-chairs will work closely with co-hosts and stakeholders to shape discussions and outcomes at the conference. This process is expected to conclude before another significant preparatory milestone in Dakar, Senegal on 26-27 January 2026.

The upcoming conference presents a timely opportunity to accelerate global water action given the current challenges faced by billions worldwide regarding access to clean water and sanitation. By leveraging investments, innovation, and partnerships, it aims to secure a sustainable future for all.

With inputs from WAM