UAE Participates in Sweden’s World Water Week to Inspire Commitments, Advance Action on Water
UAE participated this week in World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, as part of preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will be held in Abu Dhabi this December. The UAE sent an official delegation led by Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability.
The delegation joined international leaders, executives from the financial and business sectors, policymakers, researchers, and representatives of civil society to take part in one of the world’s foremost gatherings on water, sustainability, and development. Held under the theme “Water for People and Progress”, this year’s event focused on the growing role of water in supporting economic growth, public health, food security, energy systems, climate resilience, and long-term prosperity.
The week provided an important platform to examine how innovation, investment, policy, and partnership can help accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
UAE actively participated in the opening of this year’s World Water Week, with Balalaa taking part in the opening ceremony and chairing a high-level ministerial panel titled ‘The 2026 UN Water Conference: Where the Future Will Be Built’. The panel brought together the Conference co-hosts, Interactive Dialogue co-chairs, government representatives, and key partners to discuss ways to accelerate implementation through investment, innovation, capacity-building, and cross-sectoral cooperation.
During the high-level session, Balalaa outlined his vision for the success of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference: "Success for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference will be measured by what happens after it; by the partnerships and projects that move towards implementation, the finance that scales solutions and creates new opportunities and jobs, and the tangible impact on people’s lives."
He added: "If we can leave Abu Dhabi with stronger investment pipelines, partnerships built on clear accountability, and innovative and inclusive solutions that can be applied across different markets, then we will have succeeded in turning the water conversation into practical action and tangible results."
Representatives and delegates from several UAE entities also participated in this year’s World Water Week, including the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, Clean Rivers, and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
The Department of Energy Abu Dhabi will host the first edition of Abu Dhabi Water and Power Week as part of the 2026 event.