Excellencies,
Madame Special Envoy,
Madame Executive Secretary of ESCAP,
Distinguished delegates,
Dear colleagues,
Good afternoon.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this SDG 6 Special Event, jointly convened by UN-Water and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
This year's event comes at a critical moment.
With less than four years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goal 6 is once again under in-depth review at the High-level Political Forum. Later this year, Member States will come together at the 2026 UN Water Conference to accelerate the implementation of SDG 6 and strengthen international cooperation on water.
These milestones remind us of a simple but fundamental truth: water is not only SDG 6. It is a foundation for sustainable development, underpinning progress across the entire 2030 Agenda.
The past decade has shown that progress is possible. More people have gained access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. More countries are strengthening water governance and integrated water resources management. Yet progress remains too slow and too uneven to achieve our shared ambitions by 2030.
Excellencies,
Today's launch of the SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2026 is especially timely. Prepared by UN-Water Members and Partners, the report provides an important evidence base for this year's review of SDG 6 and for preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
Evidence-based policymaking is essential if we are to accelerate the implementation of SDG 6.
Our task now is to translate evidence into action through stronger partnerships, integrated approaches and sustained investment. Together, we must turn political commitment into measurable progress for people, prosperity and the planet.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to UN-Water and all its Members and Partners for their excellent work in preparing this report. I also thank the co-hosts of the 2026 UN Water Conference, the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, for their continued leadership and commitment.
Thank you.