Join Global Leaders in Pursuing Sustainable Water and Ocean Management: Insights from the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Side Event
In an inspiring showcase of international cooperation, the United Arab Emirates, Senegal, France, and UN-Water gathered in New York to host a pivotal side event at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3). This gathering brought together global leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss crucial strategies for sustainable freshwater and ocean management.
Titled “Bridging the Waters from UNOC3 to 2026 UNWC: Joint Action for Sustainable Freshwater and Ocean Management,” the event underscored the vital need for “Source-to-Sea” approaches. Such strategies recognize the deep interconnectivity between freshwater and marine ecosystems—an important reminder as we face pressing environmental challenges. Representatives from various governments, civil society, and technical experts came together to share insights and devise actionable strategies for better coordination between ocean, coastal, and freshwater management.
The discussions primarily revolved around harmonizing global water and ocean agendas, with specific focus on advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6) and Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water (SDG14). Attendees showcased successful case studies emphasizing innovative financing mechanisms as well as the significance of involving local communities and youth in addressing water and ocean challenges.
Barbara Pompili, Ambassador for the Environment of France, passionately advocated for a renewed commitment to linking freshwater issues with marine concerns, urging participants to carry forward UNOC3 commitments into the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference. Similarly, Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention, highlighted the essential role of wetlands in maintaining planetary health, noting this as a prime opportunity to change unsustainable practices that affect the entire ecosystems from source to sea.
Adding to the dialogue, the UAE and Senegal shared their exciting vision for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which is characterized by an inclusive and collaborative preparatory process that commenced over a year ago. Shaima Gargash, Director of Energy and Sustainability Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the nation’s dedication to fostering partnerships focused on the interconnectedness of water systems to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Dr. Mohamed Diatta, the Sherpa for the 2026 UN Water Conference from Senegal, pointed out the necessity for a collective global response to challenges such as pollution and rising sea levels, emphasizing that solutions must be cross-border and sustainable.
The event concluded with an open invitation to all Member States and stakeholders for the upcoming high-level preparatory meeting in New York, where themes for six interactive dialogues will be adopted, paving the way for robust discussions on our shared water futures.
Speakers at the event represented a diverse array of nations and organizations, including Germany, Indonesia, Brazil, Fiji, the World Bank, and more. Their collective narratives and visions reflect the growing consensus on the need for concerted global action in safeguarding our precious water resources.
As efforts continue to bridge gaps in sustainable water and ocean management, the collaboration seen at this event signals hope for a more sustainable future for our planet.
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