Mal©: The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Mal©, in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Republic of Maldives and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Maldives, hosted a high-level virtual webinar titled 'Water Futures: Small Islands, Big Ocean State Solutions for a Global Challenge'. This event was coordinated with the United Nations in the Maldives.
According to Emirates News Agency, the webinar signified a crucial step in preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, scheduled to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8-10, 2026. The gathering, which included government officials, development partners, technical experts, and civil society representatives, aimed to bolster international cooperation, establish partnerships, and expedite progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), focusing on the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Heba Aljneibi, Charg© d'Affaires of the Embassy of the UAE in Mal©, stated, "As co-host of the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is committed to sustaining momentum in global water diplomacy and driving international action toward achieving SDG 6." Aljneibi emphasized the importance of partnerships and noted the UAE's openness to international collaboration, especially highlighting the unique perspectives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like the Maldives in the global water agenda.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Maldives, Hao Zhang, highlighted the need for inclusive partnerships and collective action to tackle global water challenges, asserting that water security is a tangible reality influenced by various factors. Ali Shareef, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Republic of Maldives, in his keynote address, underscored the impact of government investment and international cooperation in enhancing water access across the Maldives, where 94% of the population now has household water supply connections.
Adnan Cheema, UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives, praised the Maldives for its leadership in water security and resilience-building, emphasizing the importance of innovation and long-term resilience in sustainable water solutions.
During the panel discussion titled 'Water Futures in Action: Solutions for a More Resilient Maldives', experts discussed sustainable water management and climate resilience in the Maldives. Panelists included Mohamed Musthafa, Mohamed Rasheed (Bari), Suma Khalid Mohamed, and Ali Mishal, who shared insights on practical approaches and regulatory aspects.
The event highlighted the specific water-related challenges of Small Island Developing States and the need to integrate island perspectives in global water and climate initiatives. Participants acknowledged the critical link between water, climate resilience, and sustainable development, and explored opportunities to build momentum towards the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The Maldivian government expressed appreciation for the UAE's leadership and confirmed its plans to participate in the 2026 conference with a high-level delegation. UNDP reiterated its commitment to fostering international cooperation and promoting innovative strategies for enhancing water and climate resilience in the Maldives and other SIDS.