Zambia and Finland Unite to Lead Global Water Cooperation in 2026
Zambia and Finland have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing global water cooperation as they prepare to jointly chair a key dialogue at the 2026 United Nations High-Level Water Conference.
The engagement took place on the sidelines of the ongoing preparatory meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference in Dakar, Senegal. The Zambian delegation was led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Engineer Romas Kamanga, while the Finnish delegation was headed by Finland’s Special Envoy for Water, Mr Antti Rautavaara.
Speaking during the meeting, Engineer Kamanga emphasised the importance of strengthening water diplomacy as Zambia and Finland prepare to co-chair the Interactive Dialogue on Water for Cooperation at the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates from 2 to 4 December 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
He reiterated Zambia’s firm commitment to working closely with Finland, as well as with United Nations Member States and international partners, to advance shared priorities on sustainable water management and cooperation.
During the discussions, Zambia outlined its key priorities, including the integration of regional organisations into water cooperation frameworks and the effective utilisation of the Water-Energy-Food nexus as a driver of sustainable development.
Zambia’s leadership in water diplomacy, Engineer Kamanga noted, is aligned with the country’s policy focus on advancing sustainable development with water as a key enabler, as articulated in the Eighth National Development Plan.
In his remarks, Mr Rautavaara expressed Finland’s honour at being elected alongside Zambia to co-chair the Interactive Dialogue, adding that Finland looks forward to close and productive collaboration with Zambia in the lead-up to the global conference.
Meanwhile, United Nations Special Envoy, Ms Retno Marsudi, highlighted the critical role of water diplomacy in fostering a water-secure, peaceful and resilient future. She underscored its importance in addressing global challenges related to development, stability and sustainability.
The 2026 UN Water Conference is expected to bring together world leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
