UAE drives action on water and agriculture at UN meeting

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) convened a High-Level Ministerial Majlis and Implementation Dialogue: From Water Stress to Implementation — Building Country Pathways for Water-Secure Agriculture at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York. The event was part of MOCCAE’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).

Chaired by Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, the Majlis underscores the importance of water resources as the foundation for agricultural production, food security, sustained economic growth, and the overall resilience of communities and economies against climate pressures. According to FAO estimates, agriculture accounts for approximately 70 per cent of global freshwater withdrawals making water-use efficiency and resource management essential pillars of any robust framework aimed at enhancing food security.

Dr Amna opened the Majlis by highlighting the need to move from national priorities to implementation, setting the tone for the discussion.

In her opening remarks, Dr Amna said, “Water security is no longer a standalone environmental concern, rather, it has become a cornerstone of national preparedness, sustainable economic growth, and community resilience. The world does not lack solutions to tackle resource scarcity, yet it urgently requires genuine integration across policies, technology, data, project preparation, finance, and partnerships to translate national priorities into tangible, on-the-ground outcomes.”

She added, “The UAE’s experience demonstrates that resource scarcity can serve as a catalyst for innovation through efficient water management, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence and climate-smart agriculture. We are committed to scaling this approach through structured international cooperation that respects national priorities and enhances the resilience of farmers, rural communities, and food supply chains.”

Dr Amna Al Dahak highlighted the UAE’s experience in deploying smart solutions to rationalise water consumption, alongside digital management systems, modern infrastructure, sustainable desalination, vertical farming, and climate-smart agricultural practices. These initiatives are practical instruments that reinforce national preparedness, protect valuable resources, and secure long-term food security.

Moderated by Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of Government Communication at MOCCAE, the Majlis examined national priority pathways, tracing the trajectory from initial problem identification through technical assessment and project preparation to partnership building and the facilitation of access to financing and implementation mechanisms.

Discussions also centred around the imperative of integrating the roles of governments, technical organisations and developmental and financial institutions, as well as leveraging existing international frameworks to minimise fragmented efforts and enhance implementation efficacy.

In her presentation, Dr Sara Almaeeni, Minister’s Adviser at MOCCAE, framed the Majlis discussion by highlighting the implementation gap in water-agriculture priorities, the key stages from national priority to delivery, and the role of existing technical, development and financing institutions. She highlighted how stronger coordination can help countries access expertise, tools and financing.

Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu; Marco Rago, Advisor to the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy; and Dr. Aliou Gori Diouf, Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition of Senegal, shared their priority water-agriculture challenges, the main barriers to implementation, and what could help unlock progress.

This was followed be a segment where technical, development and financing partners shared perspectives on how country priorities can move towards implementation.

The Majlis represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s pathway towards the 2026 UN Water Conference, to be hosted in Abu Dhabi from 8th to 10th December. It also builds upon the momentum generated during COP28, including the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action and the two‑year partnership on water‑resilient food systems, advancing this pathway from political commitments to readiness and implementation.

WAM