UAE advances efforts toward SDG 6 at Human Rights Council ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference
At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UAE outlined preparations to co‑host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, urging strengthened international cooperation to accelerate delivery of SDG 6.
Abu Dhabi to host action‑focused global meeting on water
The United Arab Emirates used its platform at the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to press for intensified international co‑operation on water and sanitation ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 8 to 10 December 2026.
Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, led the UAE delegation and delivered a high‑level briefing to Member States and partners, setting out the UAE’s vision and preparations for the Conference, which the country is co‑hosting with the Republic of Senegal. The UAE emphasised a conference shaped around implementation and practical outcomes to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) — universal access to safe water and sanitation.
Balalaa underlined the UAE’s intent to convene an inclusive, action‑oriented meeting that translates political commitment into tangible delivery, mobilises investment, and scales innovative, deployable solutions. He also participated in discussions on the right to safe drinking water and sanitation services, stressing the need for co‑ordinated responses to the compounding impacts of scarcity, pollution and climate change — particularly on the most vulnerable communities.
Delivering a joint statement with Senegal, the UAE called for strengthened international co‑operation through adequate financing, capacity‑building and integrated, equitable water‑resource management. The statement noted that ensuring access to water and sanitation is central to health, dignity and full participation in society, and reiterated that water co‑operation can underpin peace, stability and prosperity.
The Geneva discussions previewed the Conference’s programme, which will comprise six Interactive Dialogues — Water for People, Water for Prosperity, Water for Planet, Water for Co‑operation, Water in Multilateral Processes, and Investments for Water. The UAE highlighted the “Water for Co‑operation” dialogue, which will examine transboundary and scientific co‑operation and the role of inclusive governance in making water a tool for collaboration and peace.
Alongside the UN‑led Blue Zone, the Conference will feature The Oasis, an open‑access forum for innovators, investors, policymakers, civil society, youth and communities to showcase solutions and foster partnerships. Registration for The Oasis is free and available through the official Conference channels.
Building on the Human Rights Council session, the UAE has said it will continue proactive engagement at the UN General Assembly in New York, pursuing high‑level meetings with governments, international organisations, finance institutions, the private sector, academia and youth to maintain momentum towards a delivery‑focused Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Source: WAM