The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), in collaboration with the Society of Engineers – UAE, will host a side event titled “SDG 6 at a Crossroads: From Missed Targets to Future Action” on 10 December 2026, during the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The event will examine the root causes of insufficient progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
With the 2030 deadline approaching, the discussion will focus on lessons learned, persistent challenges and priorities for action beyond 2030, with particular attention to Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
From missed targets to future action
The side event will explore how strengthening technical and institutional capacities, improving access to technology, and making better use of data can support more effective integrated water resources management (IWRM).
The discussion will address three interconnected priorities: capacity building, technology access and the availability of reliable data to inform water management and decision-making.
By bringing together expertise from international organizations, research institutions and the engineering community, the event aims to identify practical approaches to accelerate progress toward safe water and sanitation for all.
Invited speakers
The following experts have been invited to contribute to the discussion, with participation subject to confirmation:
- Prof. YANG Min (Research Center of Eco-Environment of China (RCEES))
- Gretchen Kalonji (Special Advisor to CBAS; former Assistant Director General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO)
- Richard Simpson (International Society for Digital Earth)
- Johannes Cullmann (Sustainable Development Coordinator, United Nations University Resource Nexus)
- Mr. WANG Yong (China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research)
Event details
Date: Thursday, 10 December 2026
Time: 12:00–13:15 (Abu Dhabi local time)
Venue: Room 8, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Format: In-person side event, Blue Zone
Organized by: World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), in collaboration with the Society of Engineers – UAE
About the 2026 United Nations Water Conference
The 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, will take place from 8 to 10 December 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
The Conference will bring together governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of SDG 6 and strengthen international cooperation on water and sanitation.
Through its Committee on Water, WFEO contributes engineering expertise to international discussions on sustainable water resources management and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Further information: 2026 United Nations Water Conference
NOV
2026