UNU-IAS and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will co-organize a virtual side event of the 2026 UN Water Conference. It will discuss how integrated approaches to water governance can strengthen socio-ecological resilience, contributing to the conference's interactive dialogues on Water for People, Water for Prosperity and Water for Planet.
While water availability and access receive considerable attention, the social and cultural values of water are often overlooked in decisions related to production, consumption and waste management. At the landscape and basin levels, water connects ecosystems, communities and livelihoods, highlighting the need for coordinated and inclusive governance. Existing institutions, such as watershed management bodies and water user committees, play an important role in promoting its equitable and sustainable use.
Drawing on the UNU-IAS policy report The True Cost of Governance in Integrated Landscape Approaches, speakers from UNDP, UNU-IAS and landscape initiatives will examine the governance functions and investments needed to support sustainable water management, from local to transboundary levels. The discussion will explore opportunities to mobilize resources, strengthen existing governance arrangements and sustain implementation.
The event will contribute to SDG targets 6.5, 6.6 and 6.b, which address integrated water resources management, water-related ecosystems and local community participation in water and sanitation management. It will also provide an opportunity for initiatives to share progress on Water Action Agenda commitments, identify governance and investment needs and explore opportunities for new commitments at the landscape and basin levels.
Participation
This online event is open to the public. Please register in advance to participate.
Please note that participants in UNU events may appear in photography, screen captures, videos and/or audio. For further information please refer to Events.
Organizers
This event is co-organized by UNU-IAS and UNDP.
Programme & Format
The session will include a panel discussion and interactive dialogue. Details will be added to this page once available.
Themes
Primary: Water for People
Secondary: Water for Prosperity and Water for Planet
