IUCN at the UN Water Conference

The UN Water Conference was the first at the UN to focus on water in almost 50 years, and provided an opportunity for the global community to accelerate action to achieve SDG6 on clean water and sanitation, as well as other water-related goals and targets, including those that relate to various climate and biodiversity processes under the Rio Conventions. Led by the Director General, IUCN’s delegation participated actively in the Water Conference to showcase its work as a unique Union of State and non-State Members, demonstrate its expertise and impact in the areas of water governance, transboundary waters, and Nature-based Solutions. 

Co-hosted by the governments of Tajikistan and the Netherlands, the purpose of the Conference was to mobilise UN Member States and other stakeholders to report on progress made during the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028, and to deliver an ambitious set of new commitments, pledges, and actions, which were compiled into a Water Action Agenda. IUCN’s resources and other information below highlight how our Nature 2030 Programme supports that Agenda.

IUCN's statement to the plenary during the general debate