UAE, United Nations Discuss Strengthening Cooperation on Sustainability and Water Priorities
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, met with Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the UN in the fields of energy, sustainability, and water-related priorities.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the UAE’s ongoing efforts to advance international cooperation in support of sustainable development through practical partnerships, innovative solutions, and initiatives aimed at accelerating progress on global priorities.
The discussions also focused on preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026.
The conference is expected to serve as a major global platform for accelerating implementation efforts, mobilising partnerships and financing, and elevating water-related issues within the international sustainable development agenda. Participants also highlighted the importance of translating the political momentum generated by the conference into practical initiatives and long-term partnerships.
During the meeting, Balalaa reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to working closely with the UN and international partners to ensure the success of the 2026 UN Water Conference and contribute meaningfully to its outcomes.
He noted that the UAE remains open to expanding global partnerships and investments in water-related initiatives, particularly in areas such as water resilience, innovation, sustainable water management, and practical solutions capable of supporting collective international progress.
Balalaa further stressed the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation to address global water challenges, describing water as a key pillar for sustainable development, climate resilience, food security, and economic prosperity.
He also underscored the UAE’s commitment to promoting an action-oriented agenda that brings together governments, international organisations, financial institutions, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to achieve tangible results in the water sector.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the UAE and the United Nations, as well as their shared commitment to advancing practical, inclusive, and solutions-driven cooperation in support of global sustainability priorities and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
