Delivered By: Ms. Nora Alawadhi, Third secretary

Thank you Mr. President for hosting this important session, which of course is of special importance for the UAE this year as we prepare to convene the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, in Abu Dhabi from December 8-10.

Located in one of the most water-scarce regions in the world, the UAE has long demonstrated innovation and resilience in driving progress on water action. Most recently we launched the Abu Dhabi global water platform: a 2 billion dollars strategic initiative aiming to impact 10 million people by 2030, with a 1-billion-dollar commitment from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

Domestically, the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 has transformed national water governance, targeting a 21% national water demand reduction, a 95% wastewater reuse rate, and more than 100 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduction, as well as awareness campaigns on responsible water consumption.

All of this experience will be deployed as we prepare for the 2026 UN Water Conference. You will hear more about these plans at the SDG6 Special Event this afternoon, and during our flagship side event taking place on 14 July.

After many years of fragmented international efforts on water, we also hope this year will be an opportunity to set the path for sustained and coordinated dialogue and action on water.

The momentum is with us, and we welcome and encourage all Member States and stakeholders to join us in elevating our efforts to see SDG6 delivered, taking advantage of the key opportunity that the conference will present in Abu Dhabi this December.