From COP27 to UN 2023 Global Water Conference and beyond

Insights from COP27: Part three 

The discussions and outputs from COP27 will continue as the globe plans to meet again at COP28 in Dubai to make further progress and set the agenda for higher ambition.  Parallel to this ongoing work is the focus of the water sector on developing the Water Action Agenda through the UN 2023 Water Conference.  Tajikistan and the Netherlands will co-host this event in March 2023.  It is the second conference of its kind ever, and the first after almost 50 years, to discuss global water challenges and solutions.

Putting water and adaptation at the heart of the development agenda is the only way to create jobs, sustainable growth and a prosperous future for all.

Climate mitigation cannot succeed without water. Having access to water is critical for all the transformations needed to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate strategies can be more effective through integrated approaches that recognize and address the systematic and connected nature between water and climate change mitigation. Today’s major challenges, for example water, climate, energy and food, must be addressed jointly. There are important integrated approaches that can be used (for example IWRM, Source-to-sea management, and the landscape approach).

Climate solutions that work with nature and based on circular economy approaches, can provide multiple benefits, including healthy ecosystems, livelihoods, energy generation, greenhouse gas sequestration, and protection from the impacts of global warming. Nature-based solutions work to improve water supply and ensure clean water, while contributing to mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

There is a big potential in improved wastewater treatment and sanitation services since this can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving the lives of people living in poverty.

Key recommendations for the UN 2023 Global Water Conference

The following recommendations were presented at the end Resolution Day in the Water Pavilion based on learning from each thematic day at the Water Pavilion.

1. Recognise that water needs to be at the forefront of climate change adaptation and mitigation, and its critical interaction with energy, food security and the environment is paramount - understanding all the intersections is vital to address climate change.
2. Recognise the COP27 cover decision calling for transformative approaches to enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing social inequities and vulnerabilities to climate change.
3. Commit to advancing holistic, inclusive water solutions from both the public and private sectors.
4. Support Parties in the formulation of the Goal on Adaptation at COP28 through the development of water related resilience indicators, prioritizing the protection and restoration of freshwater-dependent ecosystems.
5. Expand capacity building networks and programs – such as the Resilient Cities Network, the UNFCCC Adaptation Academy, and the Water Resilience Coalition – to co-create inclusive, resilient futures for all.
6. Advance scientific understanding, research, and implementation of systemic approaches to water management – incorporating land, oceans, energy, food systems, human health and wellbeing – with local communities at the centre.
7. Break the siloes. We urgently need to address institutional fragmentation and put in place regulations and policies that are coherent and appropriate with regards to a Nexus approach.
8. Ensure Nature-based solutions are centered in the Water Action Plan coming out of the UN2023 Water Conference, supported by champions in multiple governments and entities.
9. Put Water and Climate on the agenda of the UN Security Council.
10. Ensure the entirety of SDG6 is included in the “Water and Climate” theme of the UN 2023 Water Conference.
11. Focus on more political consensus and advocacy for COP28, including more visibility and influence in the negotiations.