UAE Champions Global Water Security: Abu Dhabi Summit to Host Landmark UN Conference

The United Arab Emirates has issued a compelling call to world leaders, urging their participation in the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, a pivotal event anticipated to address the escalating global water crisis. This initiative was underscored during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' second diplomatic briefing, held at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The briefing, attended by 180 representatives from various international organizations, preceded the conference co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal from December 8-10.

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, led the session, emphasizing the critical need for immediate collective action. He stated that water security is intrinsically linked to national security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development, lamenting the slow pace of progress towards universal access. "We cannot afford to approach this challenge with business as usual," Balalaa asserted, highlighting the conference's potential as a turning point. He urged member states to commit to concrete actions, mobilize investments, foster partnerships, and accelerate the implementation of effective solutions.

"We call on the world to come to Abu Dhabi to collaborate and act as we work together to translate collective ambition into measurable progress for people, economies, and sustainable development,” he added. The conference, scheduled to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, marks only the third UN Water Conference in fifty years and the first specifically focused on accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for universal access to safe water and sanitation.

The three-day program will revolve around the themes of "Water for Shared Prosperity," "Investments for Lives and Livelihoods," and "Resilient Future Together." Six interactive dialogues, endorsed by the UN General Assembly, will form the core of the formal proceedings, addressing critical areas such as water and sanitation, climate resilience, international cooperation, and financing. A significant feature will be a dedicated dialogue on investment and financing, a first for UN Water Conferences.

In addition to the formal Blue Zone, the UAE will host the Oasis, an open forum designed to foster collaboration among government officials, business leaders, investors, innovators, civil society, and youth. Country pavilions and exhibition spaces will provide platforms for nations and organizations to showcase solutions, present technologies, and establish new partnerships aimed at translating political commitments into tangible, on-the-ground progress.