Week 3
Water and Sanitation for Peace, Energy, and Food Security
In Focus
- Register for the third Webinar
- Register for the third Youth Stage
- Register to attend the High-level Policy Dialogue
ADS 2026 Programme
Day 2 – 19 May
Addressing Africa’s water challenges requires integrated, forward-looking approaches that link water access with energy, technology, and broader development goals. These expert interviews emphasize that sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy-powered water systems, strategic investment, and innovation, are essential for improving efficiency, resilience, and socio-economic growth. They also underscore the importance of inclusive water governance, noting that equitable access, especially for women and vulnerable groups, is critical to achieving long-term development and climate resilience.
UNICEF presents
Evariste Kouassi Komlan, UNICEF Director, Global WASH Practice speaks on Africa's water-energy nexus
Evariste Kouassi Komlan, UNICEF, Director Global WASH Practice, discusses the critical water-energy nexus in African countries, emphasizing the importance of integrating energy considerations into the design and delivery of water infrastructure. It highlights how good energy solutions, particularly solar power, enhance water supply efficiency, cost recovery, and sustainability, while also supporting multiple uses such as food production and household needs.
Interview with Laila Omar Gad, UNICEF Head of African Union/ EU Liaison Office
Laila Omar Gad, UNICEF Head of African Union/ EU Liaison Office explains the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene to Africa’s future because it sits at the intersection of human development, economic transformation, climate resilience and peace. Safe water and sanitation are central to Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa presents
Africa Dialogue Series 2026: Can Africa solve its water crisis?
"We can't solve 21st-century water problems with 20th-century technology." Dhesigen Naidoo, Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Security Studies, discusses why treating water as a critical strategic investment is the path toward Agenda 2063 and Africa's socio-economic future.
UNESCO presents
Muchaneta Munamati, UNESCO ROSA Project Coordinator, on inclusive water management
Muchaneta Munamati, UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) Project Coordinator, emphasises that water access is not equal. Women and girls are often the most affected by water scarcity, yet they play a vital role in protecting and managing water resources. UNESCO continues to promote inclusive, science-based solutions for sustainable water management and gender equality.