Water in Multilateral Processes

Co-Chairs:

Germany and Mexico

Co-Convenors:

DESA and UNDRR

SDG 6, the 2030 Agenda and beyond, and global water initiatives

Context

Building on Interactive Dialogue 5 — Water Action Decade: Accelerating the Implementation of the Objectives of the Decade, including through the Secretary-General’s Action Plan — held at the UN 2023 Water Conference, the proposed 2026 interactive dialogue 5 will focus on SDG 6, the 2030 Agenda, and beyond, and how water is integrated across all global processes.

The interactive dialogue 5 in 2023 generated several key ideas and proposals, many of which have seen significant progress. Notably, the appointment of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water in 2024 marked a step forward in transforming the UN’s multilateral engagement on water. In addition, based on the resolution 77/334, introduced after the UN 2023 Water Conference, the UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation was also launched. This same resolution called for convening water conferences in 2026 and again in 2028 to sustain momentum and promote accountability.

At its core, interactive dialogue 5 in 2026 is proposed to explore the platforms, frameworks, and spaces available for international dialogue on water issues, integrating insights from all dialogues of the 2026 UN Water Conference, as well as look at how water is addressed in the broader global, multilateral and intergovernmental processes. This proposed dialogue will support the achievement of all the SDG 6 targets and is relevant for the entire 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).

Despite SDG 6 being significantly off track, progress has been made. The most recent SDG 6 Progress Report, based on the 2024 Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6 (IMI-SDG 6) data drive, shows gains across eight global indicators since the previous reporting cycle in 2020 (6.1.1, 6.2.1a, 6.2.1b, 6.3.1 domestic, 6.4.1, 6.5.1, 6.6.1, 6.b.1). It also shows one indicator showing no change since it could not be assessed (6.3.1 industrial), and four experiencing declines (6.3.2, 6.4.2, 6.5.2, 6.a.1). 29 This interactive dialogue will consider progress on SDG 6 and related water-related goals in the 2030 Agenda and beyond, including the Water Action Agenda and the UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, to identify eYective implementation pathways. Water is a key integrating element—reaching water and sanitation targets impacts progress across all SDGs. Evidence-based monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will enhance learning and accountability in advancing the global water agenda.

There is a growing prioritization to embed water within intergovernmental processes, as demonstrated by the integration of water-related considerations in the Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCBD, UNCCD) and other global events. New data and analyses underscore the role of water in key areas such as clean energy, climate mitigation30 and adaptation, food systems, digitalization, and ecosystem restoration.

Gathering evidence on these linkages will enable countries to deal with emerging challenges and anticipate future water challenges. Interactive dialogue 5 in 2026 can oYer a forum to discuss the mechanisms needed for sustained knowledge exchange, data sharing, and implementation accelerators through 2030 and beyond.

Data and Trends

Challenges

Nearly 50 years after the first UN Water Conference, the UN 2023 Water Conference reignited global attention and led to mandates for the 2026 UN Water Conference on SDG 6 and the 2028 Final Comprehensive Review Conference on the Water Action Decade. Yet, this resurgence occurs within a volatile multilateral landscape. Political commitments at the global level for sustainable water management are higher than before, however they have not been matched by the required finance or action on the ground and resources and commitment available for intergovernmental dialogue are diminishing. In response to a changing landscape, the UN has initiated reform efforts through UN 2.0 and UN80 to modernize structures, priorities, and operations. The challenge now is to maintain the positive momentum generated in 2023 and to sustain a meaningful global water dialogue and action. Despite progress, water has not been given prominent attention in global processes including the Rio Conventions, the G20 and other UN Processes such as the Summit of the Future and the UN Food Systems Summit. A further challenge is the lack of accountability and monitoring mechanisms on water which are needed for countries to have a meaningful global dialogue.

Opportunities

The proposed title of this dialogue “Water in Multilateral Processes” points to a set of opportunities for the international community. For example, this dialogue can take up the question: how water currently features in different political and global processes. Another opportunity is to identify how water can feature in global processes beyond 2030. More broadly, this is a key time to consider the future of water dialogues and action. In addition, building on the UN 2023 Water Conference, this discussion will set the foundation for the UN Water Conference in 2028 which will review the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development, 2018 – 2028.

Processes and milestones leading to 2030 such as the Pact for the Future and the 2027 SDG Summit are further opportunities to embed water beyond 2030. In this regard, investment pathways and the six transformative transitions identified by the UN Sustainable Development Group are important.