Amid growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change across the Arab region, the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) participated in the Regional Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, held in Amman, Jordan, bringing forward the perspectives of Arab civil society on the future of water resources and the need to strengthen governance, community participation, and regional cooperation.

During the meeting, RAED stressed that access to safe drinking water and sanitation is not merely a service or development issue, but a fundamental human right closely linked to health, food security, social justice, and quality of life. The Network called for greater participation of young people and vulnerable groups in water resource management and decision-making, particularly in communities most affected by water scarcity and the impacts of climate change.

RAED’s interventions focused on the themes of “Water for People” and “Water for Cooperation,” emphasizing the need to address water within an interconnected framework encompassing energy, food, and the environment. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation among countries sharing water basins and promoting the exchange of data, knowledge, and expertise to support the sustainable management of transboundary water resources.

Beyond policy discussions, RAED presented several practical initiatives and experiences aimed at strengthening water security and climate resilience. These included the ABCDryBASIN project, implemented by the Network in Egypt to support the sustainable and equitable management of resources in dryland areas, alongside initiatives to improve water-use efficiency, enhance environmental awareness, and strengthen partnerships among different stakeholders.

The regional consultations in Amman concluded with the formulation of a final document representing the Arab position ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The document outlined four main priority areas.

The first focuses on accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and closing existing gaps in access to water and sanitation services. The second addresses finance, innovation, and technology, including mobilizing investment, developing infrastructure, and advancing modern solutions and technologies.

The third priority focuses on governance and regional cooperation in shared water basins, emphasizing dialogue and the exchange of information and expertise among countries. The fourth addresses the needs of communities affected by conflict, displacement, and instability, with a focus on ensuring their access to safe water and sanitation services.

RAED’s participation in the regional consultations reflects the Network’s commitment to strengthening the role of Arab civil society as a partner in shaping water policies and advancing the transition from recommendations to practical action that enhances water security and safeguards communities’ right to safe water and sustainable sanitation services.