Bali:The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) participated in the 11th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference held in Bali, Indonesia, where they advanced the Source-to-Sea initiative. This initiative is a significant step ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
According to Wam, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 14, was a keynote speaker at the opening ceremony. She led a side event titled 'From Source to Large Marine Ecosystems Where Water Meets Life,' which was attended by experts, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations.
Dr. Al Dhaheri discussed Abu Dhabi's experience in managing water resources and the marine environment under a single regulatory authority. She emphasized the importance of evidence-based governance in linking freshwater management with marine ecosystem protection, supporting SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation and SDG 14 on life below water.
The Source-to-Sea initiative aims to promote integrated water governance by managing water as a connected system from inland sources to oceans. This initiative showcases Abu Dhabi's efforts in water resources management and marine ecosystem protection, fostering international cooperation and expertise exchange in addressing water and environmental challenges.
Initially launched at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, the initiative continued in Seoul before reaching Bali. These efforts are designed to enhance international dialogue and solution exchange ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.