Mr. Moderator, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The launch of the UN System-wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation last year was a significant advance for the global water agenda and water resilience, and therefore for human rights, peace and prosperity. 

The world needs swift and decisive action at all levels to address increasing water scarcity and stress, thus avoiding a global water crisis.

Delivering on the commitments made at the 2023 UN Water Conference as well as implementing a system-wide approach to water, are vital steps towards changing the way we use, manage and value water for the common good. 

The Strategy’s Collaborative Implementation Plan, launched today, outlines common actions that UN entities and partners will deliver together and will be the key tool to ensure delivery on the System-wide Strategy, helping to maximize coherence and minimise duplications.

The EU and its MS welcome the emphasis on strengthening UN system-wide coordination on water-related issues, integrated water resource management, transboundary water cooperation, and the mainstreaming of water in all relevant UN fora. We also welcome more impactful UN system support to countries to accelerate progress and transformational change through the five SDG 6 accelerators, and strengthened accountability for progress through joint review and learning.

We would like to urge all partners in UN-Water to continue implementing the UN System-wide Strategy on Water. In line with the EU Water Resilience Strategy, adopted on 4 June, the EU and its Member States stand ready to support the implementation of the Strategy and its Implementation Plan. Together, we can achieve our joint goal of ensuring access to water and sanitation for all and boosting water resilience worldwide. 

I thank you.