The United Nations has launched the second global online stakeholder consultation to gather input for the concept papers of the six Interactive Dialogues at the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Stakeholders are invited to submit their contributions by 17 October 2025 (COB, EDT). The Conference, co-hosted by the Republic of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, is scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 December 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.
Working in collaboration with UN-Water, the Conference Secretariat is preparing concept papers for each of the Interactive Dialogues, which will be held alongside the plenary meetings. These dialogues aim to provide focused discussions on key water-related challenges and solutions.
The proposed Interactive Dialogues will cover six thematic areas. “Water for People” will address the human rights to water and sanitation, with a focus on vulnerable populations and promoting healthy societies and economies. “Water for Prosperity” will explore valuing water, the Water-Energy-Food nexus, integrated water resource management, wastewater and water-use efficiency, and economic and social development. “Water for Planet” will examine climate, biodiversity, desertification, environmental resilience, and disaster risk reduction from source to sea. “Water for Cooperation” will emphasize transboundary and international water collaboration, scientific cooperation, and inclusive governance. “Water in Multilateral Processes” will focus on Sustainable Development Goal 6, the 2030 Agenda, and global water initiatives. Finally, “Investments for Water” will cover financing, technology and innovation, and capacity-building efforts.
Member States are currently being consulted to provide their perspectives, alongside contributions from civil society, academia, Indigenous Peoples, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Inputs may include data, analysis, and examples of good practices to advance SDG 6 and its interlinkages across the broader 2030 Agenda, ensuring that the Conference reflects a wide range of experiences and expertise.
