New Water Action Agenda’s magazine inspires global water action

The UN 2023 Water Conference marked an important milestone in global efforts towards sustainable water management. It was the first dedicated UN conference on water in 47 years. It garnered high-level attention and media coverage, drawing representatives from 193 countries, with 7,000 attendees per day representing diverse sectors and stakeholders. The Conference created a true watershed moment and made people realise that if we do not change the way we understand, value and manage water, we will fail on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN 2023 Water Conference generated significant political momentum and commitment to enhancing water action at all levels. In the aftermath of the Conference, we have seen the launch of the first UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, and we are expecting the UN Water Envoy to be appointed any day now. Member states also agreed to hold the next UN Water Conference in 2026 and not to wait for another 47 years. The 2026 UN Water Conference will be held in the UAE from 2 to 4 December and will build on the key achievements of the 2023 Conference, including the Water Action Agenda and its voluntary commitments. 

Inspiring worldwide water action

Through the water action agenda, thousands of stakeholders submitted 843 commitments (as of the date of publishing). These commitments, spanning many regions and stakeholder groups, represent an accumulated financial investment of approximately USD 77.2 billion. Amongst the commitments are over 140 that involve Dutch stakeholders.

At the World Water Week in Stockholm, Water Envoy Van Ginneken shared her excitement about water action worldwide and affirmed that “a profound sense of hope fills me as the Conference spurred a significant global effort to mobilise people towards concrete water commitments.” Yet, pledging commitments is only the first step. The true challenge lies in their implementation. “Encouragingly, we have seen governments, private entities, civic organisations, and individuals worldwide rise to this challenge. Action is being taken around the world. These visible efforts inspire others to follow suit, demonstrating that change occurs not only in meeting rooms, but also on farms, in cities, and across countries.”

This was also the conclusion of the Water Action Agenda Symposium organised by IHE Delft last April. There, many participants showed their willingness to engage in the conversation, learn lessons from one another and take the next steps towards turning Water Action Agenda Voluntary Commitments into impactful actions. 

Action sparks hope

We have pushed the global water cycle out of balance. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals seems to be lagging behind and even regressing in some cases, making the 2030 targets seem further and further out of reach. Rather than succumb to fatalism, however, the trend can be reversed through collective action, which is exactly where the Water Action Agenda can help. We need to redouble our water action to keep the SDGs within reach. 

As Van Ginneken writes in the newly released Water Action Agenda Magazine, ‘the Water Action Agenda is creating tangible results and hope for communities. This is inspiring more people to take action. Water, after all, is more than just a resource — it is a fundamental element of equality and life itself. Every small action contributes to a larger ripple of change, reminding us that every drop counts. And that action brings hope.’

The ‘Action Sparks Hope’ Magazine presents several actions that are being undertaken at local, basin, national, and global levels. These show how those having made commitments around the world are bringing their commitments to life and, in doing so, are inspiring hope for a sustainable future where everyone has access to secure water resources.