UAE boosts water investment in Africa ahead of 2026 UN water conference
The delegation also included Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs.
Convened by the Republic of South Africa as part of its G20 Presidency and hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP), the AU–AIP International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, and the African Union Development Agency – NEPAD, the summit brought together world leaders with the primary aim of mobilising investment in climate-resilient water and sanitation projects to drive water security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent.
In its capacity as co-host of the 2026 UN Water Conference, the UAE participated in this high-level gathering as a key milestone in the extensive, inclusive, and transparent preparatory process it has been leading for over a year.
At the opening plenary, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan said, 'The UAE views investment in Africa's water security as an investment in global stability, prosperity, and shared climate goals. For the 2026 UN Water Conference, our vision is to bring all actors - from governments to investors - to the table, making it a platform for real agreements and measurable impact.'
He added, 'The UAE's commitment to expanding access to water in Africa is rooted in a legacy inspired by our nation's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made access to clean water and sanitation a cornerstone of his philanthropic work. This is a legacy we continue today, as demonstrated by the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative in February 2024 to address global water scarcity with innovative, cutting-edge technologies.'
At the summit, Duma Boko, President of Botswana, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Global Water Changemakers Awards - an initiative that recognises global leaders demonstrating commitment and leadership in advancing climate-resilient water investments and promoting funding for a more water-secure world - presented awards to six heads of state and government. The UAE was among the recipients, honoured for its role as co-host of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The UAE's engagements at the summit also focused on preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, including participating in a high-level ministerial roundtable and co-leading a plenary of more than 1,000 stakeholders to identify concrete deliverables on water financing and investment for the 2026 conference.
The session was held in partnership with Senegal, AUDA-NEPAD, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, the Global Climate Finance Center, and the Global Water Partnership.
The summit was convened one month after the adoption of the 2026 UN Water Conference's six interactive dialogue themes by consensus, including a specific theme on 'Investments for Water'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Qatar: Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets South African Officials
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Wednesday with HE Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mcebisi Jonas, and HE Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Zane Dangor, who are currently visiting the country. The meeting discussed cooperation relations and ways to strengthen and advance them. Discussions also touched on the latest developments concerning the Palestinian cause and the African continent, along with a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Japan-Gambia Foreign Ministers' Meeting
On August 20, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Foreign Ministers' meeting with Hon. Sering Modou NJIE, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, the Republic of The Gambia, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, Minister IWAYA stated that he would like to reaffirm the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation in addressing challenges facing the international community with the Gambia, an important friend that shares values and principles such as democracy and the rule of law. In response, Minister Njie expressed his gratitude for Japan's warm welcome to the Gambian delegation at TICAD 9, highly praised Japan's efforts for The Gambia at TICAD, and stated his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena. Following that, Minister IWAYA stated that Japan would continue to cooperate with The Gambia on food security through the provision of agricultural equipment and food assistance. He also introduced support for the digitalization of education and the introduction of food drying technology utilizing Japanese companies' expertise, while also expressing Japan's intention to continue promoting such public-private partnerships. In response, Minister Njie expressed his gratitude for Japan's support and his hope for further expansion of public-private partnership projects in the agriculture and health sectors, further investment by Japanese companies, and Japan's continued role in promoting peace and stability. Furthermore, the two minister confirmed to work together to respond to various regional and international challenges, including their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as the United Nations Security Council reform. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Japan: Meeting between Foreign Minister IWAYA and H.E. Mr. Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah, Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia
On August 20, commencing at 11:05 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah, Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, Minister IWAYA expressed his congratulations on Somalia's election of the non-permanent member of the Security Council (UNSC) in January this year and stated that Japan would like to work closely with Somaliawhile sharing Japan's expertise. In response, Minister Sheikh Farah expressed his gratitude for an invitation to TICAD 9 and Japan's hospitality as a message from the President and showed his appreciation for Japan's extensive support to date. He also stated his intention to promote cooperation with Japan at the Security Council. Following that, Minister IWAYA referred to Japan's efforts toward peace and stability in Somalia, including support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and stated that Japan would continue to provide assistance in line with Somalia's needs. In response, Minister Sheikh Farah explained his country's efforts to promote investment and expressed his hope for further cooperation with Japan in private investment and development in Somalia. Referring to his expectation for cooperation in areas such as fisheries, renewable energy, and infrastructure, human resource development, and youth exchange, he expressed his intention that Somalia would continue to work closely with Japan in various fields. The two ministers also concurred to further strengthening cooperation in responding to various regional and international challenges, such as policies towards North Korea including the abductions issue and the United Nations Security Council reform. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
