The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting international cooperation on water, advancing the role of science in policy-making, and empowering youth leadership, as part of preparations for the UN Water Conference 2026, which it will co-host with the Republic of Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December.
The UAE, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in coordination with national partners, participated in the 27th ordinary session of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) Council of UNESCO in Paris, where it launched a series of initiatives aimed at mobilising the global water community and building momentum ahead of the conference.
Abdullah Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability and the UAE's lead for the UN Water Conference 2026, stressed the importance of leveraging the preparatory process towards the Abu Dhabi conference by strengthening partnerships, supporting youth participation, and accelerating efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6.