The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in South Africa, in partnership with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), convened a consultative meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Pretoria as part of preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
The conference will be co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8–10 December 2026, bringing international attention to the urgent need for stronger global cooperation and action on water-related challenges.
The Pretoria consultation provided a platform for ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, representatives of international organisations and development partners to exchange perspectives on the Conference’s priorities and preparatory process.
UAE Highlights Commitment to Global Water Action
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mahash Saeed AlHameli, Ambassador of the UAE to South Africa, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing global action on water and strengthening international cooperation.
The UAE has placed water security and sustainable water management among key areas of international cooperation, with the upcoming UN Water Conference providing an opportunity to build greater momentum around practical solutions to global water challenges.
Ambassador AlHameli emphasised the importance of collective action and international partnerships in accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which calls for universal access to water and sanitation and sustainable management of water resources.
Diplomatic Corps Engages on Conference Priorities
The consultative meeting brought together members of Pretoria’s diplomatic community to discuss the priorities of the upcoming Conference and contribute perspectives to the preparatory process.
The participation of diplomatic missions, international organisations and development partners reflected the cross-border nature of water challenges and the importance of coordinated international responses.
Discussions also provided an opportunity to consider how countries and institutions can contribute to advancing water security, sustainable development and international cooperation ahead of the December Conference.
Building Momentum Towards Abu Dhabi
The meeting forms part of broader preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which is expected to provide a platform for governments and stakeholders to strengthen commitments and promote action on global water challenges.
With the UAE and Senegal serving as co-hosts, the Conference will place renewed emphasis on mobilising international cooperation and accelerating implementation of water-related development commitments.
The Pretoria engagement therefore represents an important opportunity to build awareness among diplomatic missions in South Africa and encourage continued participation in the Conference’s preparatory process.
Water Action and Sustainable Development
Water is closely linked to economic development, public health, food security, environmental sustainability and peace and stability. Progress towards SDG 6 therefore has implications across the wider Sustainable Development Goals.
Through consultations such as the one convened in Pretoria, stakeholders can exchange experiences, identify shared priorities and strengthen cooperation ahead of major international forums.
The UAE Embassy and ISS meeting highlighted the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement as the international community prepares for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
