UAE, UN Deepen Cooperation on Energy and Water Agenda

The United Arab Emirates and the United Nations have strengthened cooperation on sustainability, energy and water resilience as preparations accelerate for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, 2026. Discussions focused on advancing international collaboration to address growing global water and climate challenges.

During high-level meetings, UAE officials and UN representatives explored opportunities to strengthen partnerships across water security, sustainability and integrated resource management. The discussions also highlighted the role of international cooperation in accelerating implementation of global sustainable development priorities.

His Excellency Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasised the importance of coordinated action to strengthen resilience and improve outcomes across energy and water systems. The engagement forms part of the UAE’s broader sustainability agenda and preparations for hosting the global conference later this year.

The 2026 UN Water Conference is expected to bring together governments, institutions and stakeholders to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Officials said the event will support stronger investment, innovation and global cooperation on water resilience and sustainable development.

The Abu Dhabi water conference is going to push corporate water reporting well past today's CDP baseline - ISSB and TNFD are already lining up water metrics that investors will start asking about. Our climate-action and circular-economy teams help clients get ahead of that curve on Gulf and MENA operations before it becomes a scramble.