New York, 9 July 2026 — Governments, United Nations entities, academia, and international partners gathered on the margins of the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) for the side event, "UN Water Conference Academic Hub: Mobilizing Research and Evidence for Effective Outcomes," reaffirming the essential role of science and evidence in accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 and shaping the outcomes of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The event was co-organized by the Republic of Albania, Japan, the Republic of Senegal, the Republic of South Africa, the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), UN-Water, and The United Nations Centre for Regional Development
within the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNRCD-UN DESA).
The event showcased the UN Water Conference Academic Hub, launched earlier this year as a collaborative platform to strengthen the science–policy interface by mobilizing research, innovation, and evidence-based solutions in support of the preparations for and outcomes of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Organized around the Conference's six Interactive Dialogue themes, the Academic Hub provides an inclusive platform for researchers, academic institutions, and knowledge partners to contribute policy-relevant expertise throughout the Conference process. Co-led by the United Nations University (UNU), UNESCO, and UNITAR, in close collaboration with UN DESA and other UN-Water Members and Partners, the Hub strengthens the integration of scientific evidence into global water policymaking. It fosters knowledge exchange and broad participation by bringing together diverse perspectives—including those of academics, youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and experts from the Global South—while complementing existing initiatives and partnerships in support of ambitious, evidence-informed water action.
The session opened with remarks by Mr. Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at UN-DESA, who highlighted the importance of evidence-informed policymaking to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Ms. Susanne Halling Duffy, Director of World Water Week and Global Engagements at SIWI, emphasized the value of partnerships in connecting science, policy, and practice to advance global water action.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Prof. Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH, introduced the vision and objectives of the UN Water Conference Academic Hub, underscoring its role as a structured and inclusive platform for strengthening the science–policy interface and ensuring that the best available research informs the preparations and outcomes of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. He emphasized that addressing interconnected water, climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development challenges requires stronger collaboration between academia, policymakers, and practitioners.
The panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Sogol Jafarzadeh, UN and Government Relations Coordinator at UNU-INWEH, brought together distinguished experts from government, the United Nations, academia, and the next generation of researchers. Dr. Risimati Mathye, Deputy Director-General of Department of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa, shared perspectives on strengthening evidence-based policymaking and the role of governments in translating scientific knowledge into water action. Ms. Paola Deda, Director of the Environment and Forests Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and integrated approaches to water governance. Prof. Henk Ovink, Professor of Water-cycle Diplomacy and Design at TU Delft, emphasized innovation and water diplomacy as essential tools for addressing increasingly complex global water challenges. Representing emerging academic leadership, Ms. Ana Mejia, PhD student with the UNU Hub on Remote Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS) at The City College of New York, showcased the valuable contributions of young researchers and advanced technologies in supporting evidence-based decision-making. Together, the panel explored how scientific research can strengthen SDG 6 implementation, enhance climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, and better translate knowledge into practical solutions.
A highlight of the event was the participation of Minister Pemmy Majodina of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa, who led the South African water delegation to HLPF 2026. Minister Majodina honored the gathering with her presence and reinforced the urgency of elevating water within the global sustainable development agenda. In her remarks, she called on the international community to "gather the clouds," invoking a powerful metaphor for bringing greater visibility, political commitment, and collective action to global water challenges. Her message underscored that stronger partnerships, scientific evidence, and sustained political leadership are essential to ensuring water remains at the forefront of international decision-making.
The event also featured remarks from Member States supporting the Academic Hub initiative. H.E. Mrs. Suela Janina, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations, reaffirmed the importance of inclusive multilateral cooperation in advancing the preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. Dr. Annukka Lipponen, Chief Specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Finland, highlighted the role of scientific knowledge and international collaboration in strengthening water security. Mr. Kazuhiko Seriu, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, reiterated Japan's commitment to supporting evidence-based water governance and the Conference preparatory process. These interventions were followed by an interactive discussion with Member States and stakeholders, after which a representative of UN-Water outlined the next steps for the Academic Hub initiative.
The session concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Mohamed CBC Diatta, the Republic of Senegal's Sherpa for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference at the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, who emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among governments, academia, the United Nations system, and other partners in delivering ambitious outcomes for the Conference.
As preparations continue for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, the Academic Hub will serve as a key platform for connecting scientific knowledge with multilateral decision-making, fostering collaboration among academia, governments, UN entities, and other stakeholders to support ambitious, evidence-based water action and accelerate progress toward SDG 6 and the broader 2030 Agenda.
For more information and updates follow the UN Water Conference Academic Hub’s LinkedIn page.
