By peter Emmanuel |
Africa has called for stronger representation in global water governance discussions, urging that the continent’s priorities, challenges and realities be fully reflected ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
The call was made by Ambassador Milan Jaya Nyamrajsingh Meetarbhan of Mauritius, speaking on behalf of the Africa Group at the High-Level Policy Dialogue of the Africa Dialogue Series (ADS 2026) held on May 29, 2026, at the United Nations.
The dialogue focused on water and sanitation and their link to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Ambassador Meetarbhan said Africa must not only be consulted in global water discussions but should have its priorities fully integrated into decision-making processes that shape international water governance.
He noted that many African countries continue to face significant challenges in access to safe water and sanitation, making it necessary for global frameworks to better reflect the continent’s development realities.
The Africa Group stressed that discussions at international level must go beyond dialogue and lead to concrete action that improves water access and sanitation outcomes across the continent.
It called for stronger partnerships between African countries and global stakeholders, saying such collaboration is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive water solutions.
The group also urged that the momentum generated through the ADS 2026 High-Level Policy Dialogue be translated into practical outcomes that can deliver measurable impact for communities across Africa.
According to the statement, achieving effective water governance will require coordinated efforts, sustained commitment, and implementation-focused strategies aligned with both SDG 6 and Agenda 2063.
The Africa Group reaffirmed its readiness to work with international partners to advance sustainable water and sanitation systems capable of supporting Africa’s growing population and development needs.
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