The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation, led by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability, made a significant impact at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali this week. The delegation participated in high-level panels, bilateral meetings, and sessions focused on addressing challenges related to water security.
The UAE has long been committed to climate action and sees it as an opportunity to provide practical solutions to global issues. This commitment was highlighted during the hosting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), where water played a central role in the climate agenda. At COP28, the UAE announced a pledge of USD 150 million for water scarcity solutions, showcasing its dedication to addressing the urgent threat of global water scarcity.
Building on the legacy of COP28 and the launch of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative by the UAE President, the UAE is continuing to push for international collaboration in addressing water scarcity. The Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative aims to prioritize water within the global agenda and accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and other water-related goals leading up to 2026.
During the delegation’s engagement at the Forum, Balalaa participated in high-level panels that emphasized the importance of building on the success of the UN 2023 Water Conference and the Water Action Agenda. He stressed the need for commitments to turn into tangible actions and shared the UAE’s reflections as the co-host candidate for the UN 2026 Water Conference.
Balalaa also held bilateral meetings with global stakeholders, including representatives from France, Senegal, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. Discussions focused on the 2026 UN water conference and exchanging ideas on national, regional, and global water plans and priorities.
The next UN Water Conference is set to take place in 2026, with the UAE and Senegal as co-hosts. The two countries are organizing global consultations to engage the international community in identifying shared ambitions and priorities for the upcoming conference. Water is a crucial factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the health and prosperity of people and the planet.
Overall, the UAE’s participation at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali showcased its commitment to addressing water scarcity and promoting global collaboration on water-related issues. The delegation’s engagement with key stakeholders and discussions on practical solutions underscored the UAE’s dedication to finding sustainable solutions to global water challenges.