Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired a meeting of the National Higher Committee for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference (UNWC 2026). This step is part of the UAE's preparations to host the conference, highlighting its commitment to enhancing water sector resilience and establishing its importance as a global strategic priority.
According to Emirates News Agency, the National Higher Committee includes prominent members such as H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Mohamed bin Hassan Al Suwaidi, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, and Lana Zaki Nusseibeh. The committee also features key figures like Mohamed Abdullah Al Jneibi, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Saif Saeed Ghobash, and Abdulla Balalaa.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle water challenges, acknowledging the critical role of water resources in sectors such as food security, energy, and environmental sustainability. He highlighted the importance of leveraging innovation and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve water management and efficiency.
Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, provided insights into the conference preparations, including progress and strategic approaches. He noted the consensus reached by UN Member States in July 2025 on the themes of the six Interactive Dialogues, which underscores multilateral cooperation and sets a foundation for the conference outcomes.
Balalaa stated the UAE's commitment to ensuring the conference delivers actionable solutions to global water challenges, aligning with the goal of accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to organizing a successful conference that advances the UAE's vision for sustainable water management and positions water at the center of the global development agenda.