UAE Spearheads UN Initiative to Transform Water and Agriculture Policy into Concrete Implementation
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, convened a high-level dialogue at the UN to bridge the gap between national water-agriculture priorities and actionable global pathways, emphasising innovation and international cooperation.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has orchestrated a transformative ministerial gathering at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York, focusing on translating water and agricultural priorities into tangible implementation mechanisms. The High-Level Ministerial Majlis and Implementation Dialogue: From Water Stress to Implementation formed a significant contribution to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Presided over by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, the dialogue underscored water resources as foundational to agricultural production and food security. According to Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates, agriculture accounts for approximately 70 per cent of global freshwater withdrawals, rendering efficient water management and resource stewardship essential components of any comprehensive framework designed to enhance food security.
Dr. Al Dahak articulated a compelling vision for advancing from national priorities to implementation, emphasising that water security has evolved beyond environmental concern into a cornerstone of national preparedness and economic resilience. “The world does not lack solutions to tackle resource scarcity, yet it urgently requires genuine integration across policies, technology, data, project preparation, finance, and partnerships to translate national priorities into tangible, on-the-ground outcomes,” she observed.
The Minister highlighted the UAE’s innovative approach to resource constraints, demonstrating how scarcity catalyses innovation through sophisticated water management, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and climate-smart agriculture. These practical instruments reinforce national preparedness whilst securing long-term food security.
The Majlis, moderated by Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of Government Communication at MOCCAE, examined comprehensive pathways from problem identification through technical assessment, project preparation, and partnership building to financing facilitation. Discussions emphasised strengthening coordination amongst governments, technical organisations, and financial institutions to minimise fragmented efforts and enhance implementation effectiveness.
Distinguished participants included Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu; Marco Rago, Advisor to the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy; and Dr. Aliou Gori Diouf, Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition of Senegal, who shared water-agriculture challenges and implementation barriers.
Technical and developmental partners, including Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and representatives from the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, provided perspectives on facilitating country priorities towards implementation.
Preliminary outcomes emphasised country-led pathways reflecting national needs, strengthening project readiness, and broadening access to expertise and appropriate technologies. Discussions addressed irrigation efficiency, water reuse, groundwater protection, and digital decision-support systems.
This milestone advances the UAE’s pathway towards the 2026 UN Water Conference, scheduled for Abu Dhabi from 8th to 10th December, building upon momentum from COP28 and the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.
Source: WAM