UAE and Senegal Co-Host 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi

The 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Senegal, will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 8-10. The conference aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This goal is crucial for advancing progress across energy, food systems, health, industry, and environmental sustainability.

Water availability plays a significant role in supporting development, and its management is closely connected to ambitions for economic diversification, productive investment, and healthier communities. In Nigeria, water supports agricultural livelihoods, contributes to electricity generation, enables industrial activity, and underpins essential services. The country's experience in these areas can make a valuable contribution to discussions about how water can better support national development.

The UAE brings lessons shaped by its arid environment, where meeting the needs of a growing population and economy has required sustained investment in infrastructure, technical expertise, and efficiency. The relationship between water and energy has been especially important, reinforcing the need to consider resource use, technology, and long-term sustainability together. These experiences point to a common lesson: decisions in one sector can have consequences across several others.

More efficient water treatment can reduce energy requirements, while renewable energy can support water services. Wastewater reuse can ease pressure on freshwater supplies while meeting appropriate agricultural, industrial, and urban needs. Protecting ecosystems helps sustain the resources on which communities and economic activity depend. Realizing these benefits requires planning that recognizes such connections and solutions suited to local conditions.

The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative supports innovation and international cooperation to address global water scarcity, with an emphasis on practical, scalable solutions. The Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform, launched by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, aims to mobilize USD 2 billion, with an initial USD 1 billion allocated over 2026-2030, targeting approximately 10 million beneficiaries worldwide.

The conference will bring together various stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and entrepreneurs, to share knowledge and expertise. Nigeria's participation can enrich this exchange, as its policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and entrepreneurs bring knowledge of serving diverse communities and managing the demands of a large, dynamic economy.

With 2030 approaching, the Conference must help accelerate implementation through stronger partnerships, greater investment, and innovation that responds to real needs. The UAE and Nigeria, as co-hosts, bring different strengths and perspectives, alongside a common interest in translating sustainable development ambitions into lasting opportunity. Their collaboration can help connect the global water agenda with the decisions shaping economies and communities every day.

Key points

• The 2026 UN Water Conference aims to accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
• The conference will focus on practical action and stronger partnerships to address global water scarcity.
• The UAE and Nigeria are co-hosting the conference to share knowledge and expertise on water management and sustainable development.