UAE Launches Water Acceleration Programme Ahead Of 2026 UN Water Conference

The UAE is gearing up for the 2026 UN Water Conference, set to take place in December next year. Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, announced the Water Acceleration Programme to unify national efforts. This initiative aims to prepare federal and local entities for the conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal.

During the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, the "National Water Convening: Impact Meeting on the Road to the 2026 UN Water Conference" was held. This event gathered national entities to discuss preparations for the upcoming conference. Balalaa informed officials from 18 federal and local entities about the conference's significance and its potential impact on global water issues.

The 2026 UN Water Conference will focus on accelerating Sustainable Development Goal 6, which ensures water and sanitation availability for all. Preparations began in May 2024 after COP28, where the UAE committed US$150 million towards global water resilience. This effort was further supported by launching the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZWI).

Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, highlighted that water is a national priority and a global challenge in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The Water Acceleration Programme supports UAE's leadership in driving global dialogue on water security. It aims to enhance coordination among government entities and align with national priorities.

Following the programme's launch, two technical sessions are scheduled for November and December 2025. These sessions will involve key federal and local entities along with private sector participants. The focus will be on translating national water priorities into actionable initiatives ahead of the 2026 conference.

Stakeholders will engage in discussions to address challenges, identify opportunities, and align objectives to accelerate global water action. These efforts reflect UAE's proactive approach to international cooperation and its commitment to developing innovative solutions for sustainable development.

Global Water Crisis Context

The conference comes amid a growing global water crisis, with 2.2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion living in water-stressed areas. This situation presents an opportunity to elevate water as a central issue for peace, security, sustainable development, and economic growth.

Balalaa emphasised UAE’s leadership in advancing international cooperation on water issues. He stated that the conference plays a crucial role in reinforcing this commitment by accelerating collective action towards peace, security, and sustainable development.

"The Water Acceleration Program reflects our belief that collaboration and innovation are the most powerful tools for securing our shared water future," said Balalaa. "Through this national effort, the UAE is not only preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference but also setting a long-term vision for a sustainable water future."

The programme embodies a proactive approach focused on creating solutions to future challenges in this vital sector. Al Hashimi noted that these efforts would strengthen UAE’s readiness to host the UN Water Conference 2026 and reinforce its role in building a sustainable future.

With inputs from WAM