SIWI Urges Ambitious, Inclusive Approach at UN Preparatory Meeting for 2026 Water Conference

News.Jul 9, 2025

Water Governance Water Diplomacy and Peace

New York, 9 July 2025 Today, the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) called on the international community to adopt a more systemic, inclusive, and peace-oriented approach to water during the UN General Assembly meeting on the Preparatory Process for the 2026 UN Water Conference.

World Water Week 2025 will focus on addressing the linked emergencies of climate change, environment degradation and biodiversity loss, emphasizing both mitigation and adaptation, alongside the broader goal of enhancing resilience.

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Martina Klimes at the UN

Representing SIWI, Dr. Martina Klimes, Senior Advisor for Climate, Water and Peace, delivered a formal statement during the multistakeholder reflections segment. The statement highlighted water’s essential role as a driver of peace, resilience, and sustainable development, and called for stronger integration of water across global frameworks on climate, biodiversity, health, and finance.

BY:

Martina Klimes, PhD

Senior Manager/Advisor - Climate, Water, and Peace

martina.klimes@siwi.org

+46 (0) 8 121 360 94

Manuel Eckert

Programme Officer

manuel.eckert@siwi.org

+46 73 337 42 20

Christina Bergstrand

Senior Communications Manager

christina.bergstrand@siwi.org

072-0506012

Key Messages from SIWI’s Statement – UN 2026 Water Conference Preparatory Meeting

1. Breaking Silos and Building Bridges
The 2026 agenda must align with global frameworks on climate, biodiversity, and finance. Initiatives like the Water for Climate Pavilion and the European Water Resilience Strategy offer vital cross-sectoral bridges — from COP30 to post-2030 SDG implementation.

2. Water Diplomacy for Peace and Trust
Water diplomacy tools — such as informal dialogues, joint research, and capacity development — are essential for trust-building and regional peace. SIWI stands ready to support efforts that bridge divides and promote stability.

3. Real Inclusion, Not Symbolism
Youth, Indigenous Peoples, women, and local communities must be genuinely included in shaping both the process and outcomes of the 2026 UN Water Conference.

4. Final Call
The road to 2026 must enable transformative, cross-sectoral action. SIWI is committed to supporting this journey through knowledge, partnerships, and convening power.

Water must be seen not only as a resource under pressure, but as a strategic asset for cooperation and progress.
— – Dr. Martina Klimes, SIWI

SIWI also emphasized the importance of aligning the 2026 conference with platforms such as World Water Week and the Water for Climate Pavilion, and encouraged Member States to strengthen water diplomacy and ensure that youth, Indigenous Peoples, women, and local communities play a meaningful role in shaping the process and outcomes.

The 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, will take place in Abu Dhabi from 2–4 December 2026. It aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Read SIWI’s full statement here:

2026 UN Water Conference – Multi-Stakeholder Preparatory Meeting 9 July

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Water Governance Water Diplomacy and Peace

World Water Week

BY:

Martina Klimes, PhD

Manuel Eckert

Christina Bergstrand

Key Messages from SIWI’s Statement – UN 2026 Water Conference Preparatory Meeting

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Key Messages from SIWI’s Statement – UN 2026 Water Conference Preparatory Meeting