New York: The United Arab Emirates, Senegal, France, and UN-Water jointly hosted a significant side event at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), rallying global leaders and representatives to advocate for integrated strategies in sustainable freshwater and ocean management.
According to Emirates News Agency, the side event, titled 'Bridging the Waters from UNOC3 to 2026 UNWC: Joint action for Sustainable Freshwater and Ocean Management', emphasized the necessity of 'Source-to-Sea' approaches, highlighting the interconnectedness of freshwater and marine ecosystems. The gathering included governments, UN officials, civil society leaders, and technical experts who deliberated on practical solutions for improved coordination between ocean, coastal, and freshwater management.
Discussions during the event focused on harnessing synergies between global water and ocean agendas, particularly advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6) and Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water (SDG14). Participants shared case studies of integrated management in different local contexts, emphasizing the importance of innovative financing mechanisms and the involvement of local communities and youth in tackling water-ocean challenges.
Barbara Pompili, Ambassador for the Environment of France, stressed the urgency of reconnecting freshwater issues with the ocean, urging for commitments from UNOC3 to be carried forward to the 2026 UN Conference on Water. Similarly, Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention, underscored the crucial role of wetlands in planetary health and the opportunity to change unsustainable practices from source to sea.
During the event, the UAE and Senegal detailed their vision for the 2026 UN Water Conference, advocating for an inclusive and collaborative preparatory process that began over a year ago. Shaima Gargash, Director of Energy and Sustainability Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the country's commitment to fostering partnerships that address the interconnectedness of water systems and deliver on the 2030 Agenda.
Dr. Mohamed Diatta, Sherpa for the 2026 UN Water Conference from Senegal, highlighted the need for a united global response to challenges such as pollution, water stress, and sea-level rise, emphasizing that solutions must transcend borders and have a lasting impact.
The UAE and Senegal concluded the session by inviting all Member States and stakeholders to the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference high-level preparatory meeting in New York, aimed at adopting themes for six interactive dialogues.
The event featured speakers from Germany, Indonesia, Brazil, Fiji, the World Bank, UAE-based Clean Rivers, the International Whaling Commission Secretariat, the World Youth Parliament for Water, and the UN Special Envoy for the Ocean.