Meetings Coverage and Press Releases

In progress at UNHQ

Water Conference

#WaterAction

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

United Nations humanitarian partners in Somalia have reported an early start to the country’s annual rainy season, which has brought flash floods, killing 14 people, destroying property and displacing thousands. The rains also come amid several disease outbreaks, including cholera, which are now likely to increase.

ENV/DEV/2057

Stressing Risk of More Suffering, Death, Speakers Say Financing, Infrastructure, Policy Changes Crucial to End Global Water Crisis, as Conference Concludes

As they wrapped up the final day of the 2023 United Nations Water Conference, global leaders painted a grim picture of a global water crisis that if not addressed with financing, infrastructure and policy changes will lead to more suffering, deaths and could even spark conflicts and mass migration patterns around the globe.

ENV/DEV/2058

Collective International Financing, Special Envoy on Water Needed to Achieve Goals of Water Action Decade, Speakers Stress at Conference’s Final Interactive Dialogue

Highlighting the importance of international cooperation in achieving the Water Action Decade objectives — including the sustainable management of water resources, data-sharing and development of joint projects — speakers in the fifth and final interactive dialogue of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference called for collectively mobilizing international finance and investment in water, as well as the appointment of a special envoy.

ENV/DEV/2054

Highlighting Rise in Water Scarcity, Climate-Induced Disasters, Speakers at Global Conference Call for Transformational Change to Better Manage Aqua Resources

Against the backdrop of water scarcity and climate-induced disasters, ministers and other Government officials today called for change and concerted action on water while underscoring that resource’s importance for development, underlining the environmental dimension and spotlighting national efforts, as the 2023 United Nations Water Conference continued its second day of debates.

ENV/DEV/2056

Transboundary Water Management Cooperation Crucial for Sustainable Development, Peace, Security, Speakers Stress at Conference’s Fourth Interactive Dialogue

Transboundary water management cooperation is a critical element in all forms of sustainable development — from conquering water scarcity and protecting biodiversity to building stronger economies and ensuring peace and security — speakers stressed today as the 2023 United Nations Water Conference held its fourth interactive dialogue.