UAE Advances Water Diplomacy And Peacebuilding Initiatives In Geneva For Upcoming UN Water Conference

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, recently led the UAE's efforts in Geneva to enhance global cooperation on water, climate resilience, and peacebuilding. These engagements are part of the UAE’s preparations for co-hosting the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The discussions focused on fostering international collaboration and addressing shared water challenges.

On 16th October, Balalaa took part in a high-level panel titled "Rebooting the International Peacebuilding System: A Call for Hydro Diplomacy" during the 12th Geneva Peace Week. This session gathered senior international stakeholders to discuss how water cooperation can drive peace, stability, and multilateral reform. Balalaa emphasised the UAE’s dedication to multilateralism and shared responsibility in tackling global water issues.

Balalaa highlighted that discussing water during a Peace Week rather than a Water Week sends a strong message about its central role in peace and cooperation. He stated, "Discussing water during a Peace Week, rather than a Water Week, sends a powerful message that water lies at the heart of peace and cooperation." This underscores the importance of water diplomacy in fostering regional and international collaboration.

During his official visit, Balalaa engaged in bilateral meetings with key leaders in the water and climate sectors. These included discussions with Cheikh Tidiane Dieye from Senegal, Kamal Kishore from the UN, Dr. Musonda Mumba of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and Prof. Mark Zeitoun of the Geneva Water Hub. These talks aimed at strengthening cooperation around shared water resources and building institutional partnerships.

On 17th October, Balalaa chaired a UAE-led roundtable with Geneva-based stakeholders to advance preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. The discussion aimed to leverage Geneva’s expertise to identify practical contributions and partnerships while promoting inclusive dialogue. The outcomes will contribute to a forthcoming "Geneva Inputs to 2026" summary.

The UAE is committed to global water security and sustainable development by using international platforms for collective action ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Balalaa remarked on Geneva's unique ecosystem that spans humanitarian, environmental, and peacebuilding institutions. He said it can transform water policy into real-world impact.

Balalaa stated, "Water diplomacy is peace diplomacy linking humanitarian, development, and water-sector action to prevent crises and build resilience." The 2026 UN Water Conference aims to be an inclusive platform accelerating global water action and strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration.

With inputs from WAM