ABU DHABI (WAM)

The UAE is advancing global efforts to develop practical and sustainable water and sanitation solutions for all, and is finalising preparations to host the 2026 UN Water Conference from December 8-10, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in partnership with the National Media Authority (NMA), held a media briefing Monday on the preparations. In a statement, the National Media Authority said it hosted the media briefing in line with efforts to enhance coordination among national entities, and ensure comprehensive media coverage of major international initiatives and events.

The briefing also supports the UAE’s role as a global platform for dialogue and collaborative solutions, while drawing attention to key issues related to water security, sustainable development, and climate change.

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, participated in the briefing, highlighting the significance of the UAE’s hosting of the conference, the latest developments in preparations, and the conference’s role in strengthening international dialogue and accelerating efforts to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

The 2026 UN Water Conference focuses on translating international commitments into actionable measures and strengthening the integration of finance, technology and innovation to develop practical solutions in the water sector, while building international partnerships capable of delivering sustainable and scalable impact.

Balalaa said that the UAE’s hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference in partnership with Senegal reflects its commitment to supporting multilateral action and strengthening global cooperation in addressing water challenges. He noted that the conference represents a pivotal moment to unite efforts, and to accelerate the translation of international commitments into tangible action that supports the sustainable management of water resources.

He explained that the conference provides a platform bringing together governments, international organisations, financial institutions, the private sector, experts, and civil society to explore ways to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge and expertise, and develop practical and sustainable solutions for water resource management. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the international community to ensure that the 2026 UN Water Conference marks a genuine turning point in climate and water action by accelerating innovation and adopting sustainable technological solutions that safeguard the future of generations to come.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the National Media Authority, said conference marks an important milestone in advancing water issues on the international agenda, and in showcasing the UAE’s approach to fostering international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and partnerships to address water-related challenges.

The 2026 UN Water Conference aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, while strengthening international cooperation to address growing challenges facing water resources worldwide.

The UAE will host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, bringing together representatives of governments, international organisations, financial institutions, the private sector, academia, and civil society to strengthen partnerships and accelerate the development of practical and sustainable solutions to global water challenges.