UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Hao Zhang - remarks at the webinar ahead of the UN Water Conference 2026

Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, H.E. Ali Shareef,

Minister of State for Climate Change, Environment and Energy, H.E. Ali Faris Yoosuf,

High Commissioner of Australia, H.E. David Jessup,

High Commissioner of Pakistan, H.E. Faisal Rasul Lodhi,

Acting High Commissioner of UK, H.E. Toff Wahab

Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Heba Aljneibi,

Colleagues from the UN system,

Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you today as we gather to deliberate on the Maldives’ experiences ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference - a critical milestone for accelerating global action on one of humanity’s most essential resources.

I wish to sincerely thank the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Malé, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Maldives, and UNDP Maldives for hosting this timely and important dialogue. 

I also wish to acknowledge the leadership of the United Arab Emirates in advancing the global water agenda and its commitment to fostering international cooperation in the lead-up to the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Water is at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals. It lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and is deeply interconnected with climate action, food security, public health, biodiversity, and economic prosperity. 

Yet today, 2.2 billion people globally still lack safely managed drinking water, and climate change is intensifying pressures on already fragile systems, particularly in Small Island Developing States.

In the Maldives, water security is not an abstract concept. It is a daily reality shaped by geography, climate, and resilience. From shifting rainfall patterns to saltwater intrusion, the challenges are real—but so are the solutions being built through national leadership, innovation, and partnership.

In the recent past, I have been inspired by the intensified advocacy by the Maldivian political leaders and diplomats appealing to the global community to intensify climate action, which is at the heart of survival and human rights. To me, this demonstrates leadership and commitment not only at the national level but also at the global level. The United Nations system pledges to continue supporting these efforts, including through climate finance and community-driven initiatives that strengthen resilience and expand access to safe water.

Today’s conversation is an opportunity to reflect on what works, to learn from island experiences, and to strengthen the partnerships needed to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6.

As we look toward the 2026 UN Water Conference, let us continue to work together to ensure that no community or island is left behind.

I wish you a productive and inspiring discussion.

Thank you.