High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference
On 26–27 January 2026, global water leaders gathered in Dakar, for the High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Co-organised by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the United Nations, the meeting marked a critical milestone on the road to the December 2026 UN Water Conference. Governments, UN agencies, financial institutions, academia, youth, Indigenous Peoples, civil society and the private sector convened with one shared purpose: accelerating progress toward SDG 6.
Opening remarks from Minister Cheikh Tidiane Dieye set a strong political tone. The message was clear: this must not become just another partnership process. It must unlock tangible, measurable action. This message was reinforced by powerful words from Retno Marsudi, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water:
“This meeting is very important. Inclusivity is not an option — not only for participation but also for follow-ups and implementation.”
Critical Issues & Accelerating SDG 6 (2013–2026)
Across panels and interventions, several key priorities emerged:
- Resilience in the face of climate shocks
- Listening and collaboration across sectors and regions
- Catalysing private finance, including Public-Private Partnerships (#PPPs)
- Disaster risk planning and preparedness
- Prudent water use and governance
- Timely, strategic investments
Contributors included representatives from the German Federal Environment Ministry, United Nations Development Programme, CONIWAS Ghana, and other international partners, highlighting both progress and persistent gaps since 2013.
Water Is Not Just a Commodity
A recurring theme was the central role of civil society. Participation is not symbolic — it is foundational to delivering accountable institutions and equitable access.
The human right to water took centre stage through interventions by Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation, alongside Rohey Lowe, Mayor of Banjul. Their contributions reinforced that access to water must be structured through transparent governance frameworks, not left solely to market forces.
From Preparation to Impact
As preparations continue toward the 2026 UN Water Conference, Dakar demonstrated strong political momentum and cross-sector engagement. The challenge now is translating dialogue into implementation — with accountability, finance, and inclusive governance at its core.
The pathway to December 2026 is not about pledges alone. It is about measurable progress, strengthened institutions, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
