This week, the United Arab Emirates participated in the “World Water Week 2026” held in Stockholm, marking a key step in preparations for the upcoming United Nations Water Conference scheduled for December. The UAE delegation was headed by Abdullah Belhal, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, and included international leaders, financial and commercial executives, policymakers, researchers, and representatives from civil society, all coming together for one of the world’s leading gatherings focused on water, sustainability, and development.
Focus on Water’s Growing Significance
This year’s World Water Week was themed “Water for People and Progress,” highlighting the increasing importance of water in supporting economic growth, public health, food security, and energy systems, as well as in adjusting to climate change and ensuring long-term prosperity. The event provided a crucial platform to explore strategies for leveraging innovation, investment, policy, and partnerships to expedite progress towards achieving the sixth Sustainable Development Goal: ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
High-Level Discussions and Insights
During the inaugural session of World Water Week, Abdullah Belhal led a high-level ministerial panel titled “UN Water Conference 2026: Where Will the Future Be Built?” This dialogue brought together hosts of the conference, co-chairs for interactive discussions, government representatives, and key partners to discuss accelerating implementation through investment, innovation, capacity building, and enhanced cross-sector collaboration. Belhal articulated his vision for the conference’s success, stating, “The success of the UN Water Conference 2026 will be measured by what happens afterward: the partnerships and projects that move to the implementation phase, the financing that scales solutions and creates new job opportunities, and the tangible impact reflected in people’s lives.”
Emphasis on Collaboration and Innovative Solutions
He further emphasized, “If we can leave Abu Dhabi with stronger investment projects, partnerships based on clear accountability, and innovative, actionable solutions suitable for various markets, we will have succeeded in turning the discussion around water into practical realities and measurable outcomes.” Several Emirati entities participated in the event, including the Department of Energy, the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, Clean Rivers Organization, and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
Upcoming Initiatives in Abu Dhabi
The Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi is set to host the inaugural “Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Week” as part of the UN Water Conference 2026 events. This programme aims to elevate Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for innovative water solutions. The discussions held in Sweden underscored the growing global recognition that water is no longer a marginal sector issue in policies but a foundational pillar for prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development.
Global Awareness and Investment in Water
The UAE’s participation in World Water Week also included the launch of a global water investment platform, where Belhal highlighted the role of blended finance and risk mitigation mechanisms in stimulating investments in climate-resilient water projects that benefit communities and contribute to development and progress. The UAE delegation engaged in numerous sessions and bilateral meetings, including discussions with Timur Batunbaev, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, Daniel Westling, Sweden’s Minister of Climate and Environment, and Anette Schneider Lorentzi, Chair of the Stockholm Water Foundation.
Building Momentum for the Future
The Emirati participation in World Water Week 2026 follows a series of significant international meetings and events related to water this year, including a leadership seminar on water and sanitation systems in Africa held in Kigali, Rwanda, Japan’s Water Day celebrations, and the UN’s high-level political forum on sustainable development in New York. The involvement of the UAE in these discussions reflects a shared understanding among governments, institutions, companies, and communities that water is integral to prosperity and sustainable development. Accelerating tangible action on water is crucial for improving lives, boosting economies, and supporting future generations.
World Water Week also marked the opening of registration for “The Oasis,” an interactive area within the UN Water Conference 2026 in Abu Dhabi. This space will bring together innovators, investors, thought leaders, policymakers, and experts from various sectors, alongside a selection of young minds, for three days of interactive exhibitions and diverse programming from 8 to 10 December, in conjunction with the UN’s Blue Zone at the conference.