Water is increasingly central to global discussions on climate change, food and energy security, human development, health, peace and sustainable development. Addressing the growing complexity of global water challenges requires stronger connections between science and innovation, diplomacy, government decision-making, private-sector engagement, financing, civil society and implementation.
On the occasion of the UAE & Senegal co-hosted 2026 UNWC, His Excellency Abdulrahman Al Neyadi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) will host a High-Level Discussion, ‘The Road to Abu Dhabi Science, Innovation, Diplomacy & Action for a Water-Resilient Future,’ taking place on 3 November 2026, from 12:00 - 15:00, in Ottawa. It will bring together representatives of governments and the diplomatic corps, academia, international organizations, civil society and the private sector to explore the Conference's significance and priorities for the future of the global water agenda.
The event will examine how scientific evidence and innovation can inform diplomacy and decision-making, identify promising approaches to pressing water challenges, and build partnerships to translate knowledge into action. Reflecting the inclusive approach championed by the Conference co-hosts, it will provide a platform for diverse perspectives to help shape priorities and commitments ahead of the 3rd UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, December 8-10, 2026.
The event will also mark the 30th anniversary of UNU-INWEH. The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate three decades of UNU-INWEH's contribution to water science and the science-policy interface, but also to look ahead: what has the global water community learned, what challenges remain, and what knowledge, partnerships and approaches are needed for the next generation of water innovation, diplomacy and action.
The programme will include remarks by H.E. Abdulrahman Ali Al Neyadi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Canada, and Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Rector of the United Nations University, alongside Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH and 2026 Stockholm Water Prize laureate, and other leading voices from the water research and policy community.
Session Agenda
12:00 – 13:00 Reception and working lunch
13:10 – 13:25 Opening Reflections: The Road to Abu Dhabi — Why the 2026 UN Water Conference matters
13:25 – 14:25 High-Level Panel: From Science to Diplomacy to Action
14:25 – 14:45 Moderated Q&A: What Should We Take to Abu Dhabi?
14:45 – 14:55 Reflections on three decades of water science and Canada’s role in the future of the science-policy interface and innovation
14:55 – 15:00 Closing Remarks
