GCC Nations Discuss Groundbreaking Water-Sharing Initiative Ahead of UN Conference

Member states of the Gulf Co-operation Council are currently engaged in discussions to establish a formal framework for water co-operation, according to a senior UAE official speaking on Thursday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, informed reporters that the initiative aims to mirror the bloc's successful power co-operation model.

"This is a great example of co-operation," Mr Balalaa stated. "There is an idea of replicating that in water as well."

These remarks precede the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi this December. This significant event marks the third water conference in 50 years and the first to be hosted by nations belonging to the Global South.

Ahead of the conference, the UAE has actively promoted water security and conservation initiatives during high-level UNGA discussions. Despite achieving complete coverage for safe water and sanitation domestically, the UAE remains heavily reliant on desalination to combat persistent water scarcity.

"We never had the luxury of treating water as a side issue," Mr Balalaa emphasized. He urged the international community to deliver implementation-focused commitments to aid millions currently lacking access.

Describing water shortage as a critical global challenge, Mr Balalaa called for expansive international collaboration and greater involvement from the private sector, while encouraging innovators to present their solutions in Abu Dhabi.