The UAE enhances international cooperation in the field of water and integrated environmental work

ABU DHABI, 19 October / WAM / His Excellency Abdullah Al-Alaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, affirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation in the field of water and integrated environmental work, through his participation in two high-level events within the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conference, which the UAE hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
His Excellency delivered an opening speech at the session titled “From the International Union for Conservation of Nature Conference to the United Nations Water Conference 2026 – Shifting towards nature-positive economies and societies,” and was organized in partnership between the UAE, the Republic of Senegal, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The session highlighted the pivotal role that freshwater ecosystems play in enhancing resilience to climate change and protecting biodiversity, within the framework of preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
His Excellency said: “Water is not just a basic human right, but rather the lifeline of ecosystems, the basis of biodiversity, and an essential pillar for enhancing resilience to climate change.”
His Excellency added: “As one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, the UAE is deeply committed to strengthening international cooperation in the field of water, and turning challenges into opportunities to achieve shared resilience and sustainable growth.”
His Excellency also participated in the launching event of the World Bank’s global report entitled: “Continental Drought: A Threat to Our Common Future,” which was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the World Bank Group.
These two events confirm the UAE’s leadership in enhancing multilateral cooperation on water issues and environmental sustainability, in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in partnership with the Republic of Senegal. These efforts build on the outcomes of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) and reflect the UAE’s commitment to placing the water issue at the heart of the global agenda for climate, biodiversity and sustainable development.

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