Pathways for accountability in intergovernmental water-climate conferences

Abstract

Water and climate are inextricably linked [1,2], and integrating water and climate goals together can lead to win-win actions [3]. Most global multilateral conferences devoted to climate change do feature water actions. Likewise, most global conferences devoted to water systems do feature climate change impacts. At water and climate intergovernmental negotiation meetings, here called simply multilateral conferences, participants—including nation states, multilateral bodies, and other organizations—set targets, develop strategic plans, and commit to action. These targets, plans, and commitments are what we call the conference “outcomes” that guide future action. These conferences must strive towards greater integration of water and climate to address cross-sectoral challenges. At present, we see promising shifts towards integrating water and climate. For example, the Water for Climate Pavilion (WfCP) at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP) meetings brings together over 70 stakeholders to highlight how water management can offer vital yet often overlooked climate solutions. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which hosted COP28 in 2023, realized the centrality of water for meaningful climate action and will now co-host, with the Republic of Senegal, the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, embedding climate-related challenges and solutions into the water agenda.