Water for Women at COP27

A community in Bangladesh relies on a nearby river system for its agricultural needs, but it is also at greater risk from extreme flooding due to climate change (World Vision Bangladesh)

The world’s most significant summit on climate change is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, otherwise known as COP. Taking place each year since 1994, the 27th conference – #COP27– begins next week in Egypt from 6–18 November.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In the thirty years since, the world has come a long way in the fight against climate change and its negative impacts on our planet; we are now able to better understand the science behind climate change, better assess its impacts, and better develop tools to address its causes and consequences.”

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

With an increasing focus on climate-resilient, inclusive WASH, Water for Women will be attending COP27, bringing the voices and work of our partners in the Asia Pacific region to reiterate the role of inclusive water and WASH in strengthening climate resilience.

“Equitable access to WASH is a critical building block for a climate-resilient future,” says Fund Manager, Alison Baker, “but in order to achieve SDG6 – water and sanitation for all - and all other SDGs for that matter, we must ensure that no one is left behind. To do that, we must transform WASH services, strengthen WASH systems, challenge negative social norms and ensure that diverse voices are not only part of the decision-making, but leading the change."

Australia - water partners for development @COP27 

Water for Women will again be collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Australian Water Partnership (AWP) as Australia – water partners for development. Many water and WASH partners across the two programs will be playing an active role during COP27 both on the ground in Sharm El-Sheikh and via online and pre-recorded inputs. Water for Women will be presenting work within the Australian Pavilion and the Water Pavilion.

A core partner in the Water Pavilion

This year at COP27, we are rallying with many other water and WASH organisations to highlight the powerful solutions water holds to reach a net zero and climate resilient world. From emissions reduction to carbon storage, the water sector and freshwater ecosystems hold the key to climate action. World leaders must act on #Water4Climate.

The Water Pavilion is held 7-18 November in the Blue Zone of COP27, offering cutting-edge, science-based advice to climate decision-makers and negotiators. We invite Party delegations and non-Party stakeholders as well as online participants to share experiences and learn more about the crucial role of water in climate action.

We will be keeping you up to date on sessions from Water for Women, AWP and partners as well as COP27 proceedings and opportunities to join online over the coming days and as they happen on the ground. You can view some key water partner sessions below and register to join virtually, or follow our social media for live updates.

Water partner sessions

TD2: Climate resilience and Low Carbon Approaches, Systems and Technologies
Circular economy of sanitation
Water Pavilion
Wednesday 9 November | 10:00 – 10:30 EEST
iDE

Integrated river basin management in Hindu Kush Himalayas
Cryosphere Pavilion
Wednesday 9 November | 16:00 – 18:00 EEST
Australian Water Partnership

Australian water for development community acting for climate
Climate Action Hub
Saturday 12 November | 15:00 – 15:40 EEST
Australian Water Partnership

Water and Gender Day

Thousands of years of lessons: First Nations knowledge for water and climate action
Australian Pavilion
Monday 14 November | 10:30 – 11:30 EEST
Australian Water Partnership

The Murray-Darling Basin Plan as a climate adaptation tool in a cross-boundary context
Australian Pavilion
Monday 14 November | 13:30 – 14:30 EEST
Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

Partnerships for future-proofing – building inclusive communities for resilient water and WASH in the Asia-Pacific region
Australian Pavilion
Monday 14 November | 16:00 – 17:00 EEST
Water for Women

Equitable access to water resources and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is a critical building block for a climate-resilient future. It is also a powerful enabler for positive and lasting change within communities. Diverse partnerships are critical to this pathway towards transformation in our communities and institutions.

Learn more

The Water-Energy-Food- Ecosystems Nexus: A regional context
Water Pavilion
Monday 14 November | 15:00 – 16:00 EEST
IWMI

Working with Indigenous peoples to approach climate-resilient water management with community and traditional knowledge
Australian Pavilion
Wednesday 16 November | 15:15 – 16:15 EEST
Australian Water Partnership

TD9: Climate, Water and Sanitation Solutions for Health and Sustainable Development
Shifting social norms for transformative change and climate resilience
Towards a resilient 2030: partnerships for climate resilient water and WASH in the Asia Pacific
Water Pavilion
Thursday 17 November | 10:00 – 10:55 EEST
SWA | UNICEF | WHO | Water for Women | WaterAid | iDE | UST-ISF and many more

Register now

Solar irrigation to address recurring global food, nutrition and fuel crises in a climate emergencY

Food Pavilion
Thursday 17 November | 13:00 – 14:00 EEST
IWMI and IFPRI