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What does the latest High-level Political Forum tell us about the direction of the global water agenda? This SIWI Insight Brief captures the key messages emerging from the discussions in which SIWI participated, highlighting the growing focus on implementation, integrated governance and stronger coordination as preparations continue for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
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Held annually at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) is the UN’s central platform for reviewing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2026, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) was under in-depth review, placing water at the centre of discussions on accelerating implementation. SIWI contributed through two side events, the official SDG 6 Review and the UN-Water SDG 6 Special Event.
Drawing on the discussions in which SIWI participated—including the official SDG 6 Review, the UN-Water SDG 6 Special Event and two SIWI co-convened side events—this Insight Brief identifies the key policy shifts, emerging signals and implementation challenges shaping the next phase of the global water agenda.
The brief explores the growing emphasis on integrated governance, stronger institutions, evidence-informed decision-making and practical approaches that connect water across climate, biodiversity and land restoration agendas. It also considers what these developments mean for policymakers, practitioners and partners preparing for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Download the SIWI Insight Brief to explore the key insights, emerging signals and implications from HLPF 2026—and what they mean for the road to the 2026 UN Water Conference.