The United Arab Emirates and Senegal will co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, marking the third such event in 50 years. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently held its second diplomatic briefing for ambassadors and international organization representatives at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy to mobilize global participation and accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). This event is the first UN conference dedicated specifically to speeding up the achievement of SDG 6.
Did You Know? The first diplomatic briefing for the conference took place on May 14, 2026, and was attended by 180 representatives, including over 150 from the diplomatic community and international organizations.
HE Abdulla Balalaa and Shaima Gargash outlined the Conference’s programme across three days in a briefing today for the diplomatic community in Abu Dhabi.Each day has a theme that reflects the breadth of the global water agenda and the connections between water, development,… pic.twitter.com/2ah8SDAUz2
Abu Dhabi coordinates global participation for SDG 6
Abdullah Al Alaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, led the second briefing to provide updates on the conference program, logistics, and participation methods. The event focuses on SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability of water, sanitation, and sustainable management for all. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also conducted a media briefing in partnership with the National Media Office on Monday to review preparations.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, sent a written invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to attend the summit. The letter was delivered by UAE Ambassador Matar Salem Marran Al Dhaheri to Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al Khurayji in Riyadh.
The UAE aims to turn dialogue into technical solutions, political commitments, and investments that expand access to sanitation and water to benefit ecosystems and people.
Conference agenda focuses on investment and resilience
The three-day event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is structured around thematic priorities. The second day, December 9, will center on “Investments for Life and Livelihoods,” focusing on the financing and innovation required to turn water priorities into practical solutions. This session will specifically highlight the partnerships and funding needed to benefit economies and communities.
The final day, December 10, will address building a “Resilient Future Together,” emphasizing international cooperation and multilateral processes to improve climate and environmental resilience. This includes using technology and innovation to accelerate progress. The UAE will also host “The Oasis,” an open platform for policymakers, investors, and civil society to engage in side events and exhibitions. The Oasis will feature country pavilions and a main platform, connecting multilateral dialogue with knowledge exchange and the private sector.
Abu Dhabi will host an international decision-making table to discuss the future of the water economy. The conference allows governments to share expertise, present national priorities, and form collective approaches to global water challenges.
The UAE continues to mobilize international participation for the 2026 UN Water Conference, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convening its second diplomatic briefing for Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of Mission, and representatives of international organizations at the Anwar… https://t.co/0aSVPYFJsS pic.twitter.com/1KVccFH3ye
Water security as a pillar of national stability
Abdullah Al Alaa stated during the briefing that water security is fundamental to national security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. He noted that progress toward universal access to safe water and sanitation remains too slow and argued that the 2026 conference must be a turning point to mobilize investments and partnerships. Al Alaa called on the world to come to Abu Dhabi to “translate collective ambition into measurable progress for peoples, economies and sustainable development.”
The emirate is working toward a target of reducing groundwater extraction by 500 million cubic meters by 2030, with current efforts focused on achieving half of that goal. Abu Dhabi is developing a flexible, integrated water system based on resource management efficiency and proactive planning. This strategy aims to ensure supply reliability, enhance infrastructure readiness for future growth, and increase the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi.
Participants also reviewed operational readiness and achievements in water supply security. This includes improving the efficiency of service continuity and emergency water supply capabilities to handle exceptional circumstances.
Possible outcomes for global water governance
The conference seeks to establish a turning point where member states commit to action and build partnerships for tangible results. This follows a period where water issues were prioritized during the 2026 World Bank and International Monetary Fund spring meetings in Washington.
Where and why the 2026 UN Water Conference meets
Where will the 2026 UN Water Conference be held?
The conference will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from December 8 to 10, 2026.
What is the primary objective of the 2026 conference?
The event is dedicated to accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring the availability of water, sanitation, and sustainable water management for everyone.
En la Academia Diplomática Anwar Gargash, en Abu Dhabi, formé parte de la segunda sesión informativa para Jefes de Misiones Diplomáticas sobre la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Agua 2026, que se celebrará del 8 al 10 de diciembre de 2026 en Abu Dhabi, bajo la… pic.twitter.com/zDtAXrK4zd
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