Key Objectives of the 2026 UN Water Conference: Towards a Renewed Global Agenda

The United Nations Water Conference 2026 marks a key milestone in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its ambitions for the sustainable management of water resources.
The preparatory meeting in Dakar will serve as a platform to assess progress made since 2015, identify persistent gaps, and propose a revised framework for accelerated action.

Main objectives of the conference:

1. Accelerating universal access to water and sanitation
   Despite global efforts, nearly 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. The conference aims to define stronger financing pathways and public–private partnerships.

2. Strengthening resilience to climate change
   Water lies at the heart of climate crises: floods, droughts, groundwater salinization, and declining river flows. States will be required to present adaptation strategies based on science and innovation.

3. Promoting integrated and inclusive water governance
   The conference will encourage the participation of women, youth, rural communities, and private-sector actors in resource management.

4. Boosting water-related innovation
   Solutions such as digitalization, smart sensors, wastewater reuse, and community-based management will be highlighted.

The 2026 Conference is expected to mark a decisive turning point in how the world approaches equitable and sustainable access to water.