HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT - Main messages

Transboundary water cooperation can and must result in concrete actions for climate change mitigation and adaptation, intersectoral coherence, biodiversity and ecosystem preservation and restoration, and peace amongst people and with nature. [...] We need to act on the decisions of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which stress transboundary risks deriving from climate change impacts and call for climate-informed transboundary management. [...] All countries sharing rivers, lakes and aquifers need to integrate water and transboundary water management and cooperation into development and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans and other national and regional climate-related policies. [...] The UN System-Wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation, launched in 2024, marks a significant milestone in coordinating the efforts of the UN system to support countries in their accession to and implementation of the Water Conventions. [...] The 2026 UN Water Conference presents a crucial opportunity to reaffirm global commitments to transboundary water cooperation and further integrate water and climate agendas.