Countries around the world made over 700 commitments at the United Nations 2023 Water Conference in New York City. This was done to create a water-secure future, as captured in the Water Action Agenda. The commitments cover a wide range of initiatives. These include investments in climate resilient water and sanitation infrastructure. They also include policies for major river basin management, and ensuring all households have access to clean running water.
A great platform for a bright future
During the closing ceremony, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the commitments made at the conference will propel humanity towards the water-secure future that every person on the planet needs. African heads of state took a lead at the conference by announcing presidential compacts or commitments. Besides, over 50 leading global companies also united to make collective commitments to SDG 6.
India’s commitment to the world
India has committed investments of more than $240 billion in the water sector. The EU aims to support the access of 70 million individuals to an improved drinking water source and/or sanitation facility by 2030. The conference featured six plenary meetings and five multi-stakeholder interactive dialogues. Discussions covered topics such as strengthening river basin organizations and the need for scientific water cooperation.
Over 10,000 participants gathered at UN Headquarters and online attended the conference. These included world leaders, civil society, business leaders, young people, scientists, academics, the UN System, and others from across sectors like agriculture, energy, environment, and water. The event brought together these diverse groups around a common goal to urgently tackle the water crisis and set the world back on track to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation.
The Final Word at UN Water Conference
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of climate justice and global action to limit global warming to a 1.5-degree rise and called for a dramatic acceleration in resources and investment into the ability of all countries to reach SDG 6.
