News
AMCOW President H E Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye has led a high-level strategic engagement on the margins of the Africa Water & Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium 2026 to advance Africa’s preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting brought together Rwanda’s Host Minister Damien Murwanashyaka; Harsen Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union, AMCOW’s Ag. Executive Secretary, Nelson Gomonda, and Dr. Juste Nansi, Director of RIVA Africa. Discussions focused on consolidating Africa’s priorities and developing a common continental position ahead of the global conference.
The 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, will take place in Abu Dhabi from 8–10 December 2026. Its overarching objective is to accelerate action towards SDG 6: clean water and sanitation for all. The Conference will feature six interactive dialogue areas: Water for People, Water for Prosperity, Water for Planet, Water for Cooperation, Water in Multilateral Processes, and Investments for Water.
Africa must speak with one voice
Dr. Dièye stressed the importance of Africa securing a stronger place on the global water agenda and arrive in Abu Dhabi with a unified voice and common position. He emphasised the need for Member States to align their priorities around the continent’s shared water and sanitation challenges, while strengthening Africa’s influence in global discussions on water security and sustainable development.
AU backs a common continental position
The AUC Director, Nyambe, received the key request from the engagement and affirmed the importance of Member States reaching consensus on an African Common position. He pledged the support of the African Union Commission to the process of consolidating and advancing this position ahead of Abu Dhabi, reinforcing stronger alignment between national priorities and continental commitments.
Rwanda pledges continued support
Rwanda’s Host Minister Damien Murwanashyaka reaffirmed the country’s support for the process, building on Rwanda’s successful hosting of the Kigali Leadership Symposium. The Minister’s commitment underscores the importance of sustaining the momentum generated in Kigali and translating the Symposium’s outcomes into concrete continental action.
The engagement also highlighted the role of RIVA Africa, represented by Dr. Juste Nansi, in providing evidence, knowledge, and practical approaches to transform Africa’s water and sanitation systems.
As Africa moves from Kigali to Abu Dhabi, AMCOW’s Ag. Executive Secretary, Mr. Nelson Gomonda reiterated the organisation’s readiness together with the African Union Commission, African Development Bank and other UN agencies champion stronger coordination among Member States and positioning the continent to advance a common agenda on water security, WASH, sanitation, climate resilience, and investment.
The message is clear: Africa must speak with one voice, and water must remain a priority on the global development agenda.
