Egypt and Senegal Push Unified African Position Ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference

Egypt and Senegal Seek Unified African Position Ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference

Egypt and Senegal have agreed to strengthen coordination among African countries to develop a unified position on water security ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Egypt’s water minister, Hani Sewilam, met Senegal’s water minister, Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, ahead of the ninth Cairo Water Week, which runs from 25 to 29 October, according to Ahram Online.

Background: the conference

The 2026 UN Water Conference will take place in Abu Dhabi on 8–10 December, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal. Registration is open to all participant categories, including UN member states, international financial institutions, accredited stakeholder organisations and media.

Six interactive dialogues will form the main thematic structure:

• 8 December: Water for Cooperation (Finland and Zambia) in the morning, and Water for Prosperity (Spain and China) in the afternoon
• 9 December: Investments for Water (France and South Africa), and Water for People (Switzerland and Ghana)
• 10 December: Water for Planet (Japan and Egypt), and Water in Multilateral Processes (Germany and Mexico)

The conference will seek to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6, universal access to clean water and sanitation, and strengthen international cooperation on water management.

Why it matters

Egypt is co-chairing the Water for Planet dialogue, and Senegal is co-host of the whole conference. A joint African line before Abu Dhabi could help the continent’s priorities carry more weight in the dialogues, particularly on finance and cooperation.

Conclusion

The Egypt–Senegal talks show governments positioning themselves early for December. Cairo Water Week, running until 29 October, is the next chance for African delegations to shape a shared message.