Cape Town, South Africa – Her Excellency Pimi Magodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa, commended the active participation of the United Arab Emirates
in the high-level preparatory meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which commenced in the Republic of Senegal.
She emphasized that this participation reflects a growing international commitment to placing water issues at the forefront of the global agenda.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Magodina affirmed that the partnership between the UAE and Senegal in organizing
this preparatory meeting exemplifies constructive international cooperation and contributes to strengthening multilateral dialogue on the challenges associated
with water scarcity and its repercussions on economic and social development, particularly in developing countries.
She explained that the UAE’s active participation will support the momentum of investments in the water sector
and accelerate the development of water infrastructure,
in addition to stimulating the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance water security in the medium and long term.
She also called for intensifying public-private partnerships and working to translate international commitments
into practical projects with a tangible impact on the ground.
The South Africa Minister of Water noted that the launch of the roadmap for the 2026 UN Water Conference,
in cooperation between the UAE and Senegal, represents a strategic step
and a pivotal moment for strengthening joint international action in addressing the challenges of water scarcity.
She emphasized that this initiative reflects a growing global awareness of the importance of water
as a fundamental element for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
She added that the upcoming conference presents an important opportunity
to unify international efforts, exchange expertise, and coordinate policies,
contributing to building a more resilient global system capable of addressing
future water-related challenges and strengthening sustainable development pathways globally.
