Water as a Tool for Peace: Insights from the 2026 High-Level Political Forum
New York — July 2026
Can water serve as a bridge to peace in an increasingly fractured world? This was the central question at the heart of the side event "Water as a Tool for Peace: Reassessing Progress and Shaping the Future," held on the margins of the 2026 High-Level Political Forum in New York.
The event was co-organized by the Geneva Water Hub, TRENDS Research & Advisory, and the Pôle Eau Dakar, and was graciously hosted by the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York.
A Shared Conviction
The discussion brought together representatives of governments, United Nations agencies, research institutions, and civil society organizations, united by a shared conviction: water is far more than a resource. When governed equitably and cooperatively, it becomes a powerful lever for building trust, strengthening resilience, and sustaining peace. When mismanaged, withheld, or weaponized, it can deepen fragility and fuel instability.
Coming at a decisive moment ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, the event provided a timely platform to reassess progress made since the 2023 Conference and to shape the road ahead.
Launch of the Joint Policy Brief
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the joint policy brief Flowing Towards Peace: Recommendations Ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-developed by the Geneva Water Hub, the Pôle Eau Dakar, and TRENDS Research & Advisory.
The brief argues that peace is the unifying thread across the six interactive dialogues that will structure the 2026 UN Water Conference, namely Water for People, Water for Prosperity, Water for Planet, Water for Cooperation, Water in Multilateral Processes, and Investments for Water. It offers concrete recommendations for placing water for peace at the heart of the Conference and for strengthening the essential link between SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Download the policy brief: Flowing Towards Peace – Recommendations Ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference
Distinguished Speakers
We extend our sincere gratitude to the speakers whose insights and expertise shaped this pivotal conversation:
- Shaima Gargash
- Dr. Mohamed Diatta
- Caroline Pellaton
- Abdulaziz AlShehhi
- Sabina Carli Sitar
- Samuel Martell
- Henk Ovink
- Adelin Pierre
- Tatiana Molcean
The session was moderated by Erik A. Schnetzler, with Basilio Ghisletta serving as Master of Ceremonies.
Looking Ahead
The road to the 2026 UN Water Conference is short, but the opportunity it presents is immense. Building on the momentum generated in New York, the Geneva Water Hub and its partners remain committed to advancing water as a catalyst for cooperation, resilience, and lasting peace — from international frameworks to concrete action on the ground.
We thank all participants who joined us and contributed to this vital dialogue, and we look forward to carrying this momentum forward, together, on the road to Abu Dhabi.
