Explainers and briefs|

SIWI Insight Brief: World Water Week 2026

World Water WeekWater governanceClimate resilienceGreen waterShared waters cooperation
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What will it take to turn growing political and economic recognition of water into implementation? This SIWI Insight Brief presents six policy priorities emerging from World Water Week 2026.
Download the SIWI Insight Brief: World Water Week 2026

World Water Week 2026 took place at a critical point for the global water agenda, between the review of SDG 6 at the High-Level Political Forum and major international processes on climate, biodiversity and water.

Drawing on discussions and interviews conducted during the Week, and informed by SIWI’s institutional expertise, the brief examines why recognition of water has advanced faster than implementation. It identifies barriers within governance, policy, financing and international cooperation and translates the analysis into six policy priorities.

The brief calls for action to govern the full hydrological cycle; integrate water into climate and economic decisions; improve the conditions for finance; advance cooperation across shared waters; strengthen continuity and accountability in global water governance; and make implementation the measure of success.

The priorities are intended to inform preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi and the global processes that follow.

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Topics

World Water WeekWater governanceClimate resilienceGreen waterShared waters cooperation

Thematic area

Water governance in a changing climate and hydrological cycleShared waters cooperationInclusive and just approaches

Engagement pillar

Curating knowledge and research
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