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Implementing SDG6: The Role of Parliaments in Advancing International Cooperation on Water

13.07.2026

Implementing SDG 6: The Role of Parliaments in Advancing International Cooperation on Water 

Draft Programme

 

11:00-11:05 Opening remarks by Mr Pierfrancesco Maran, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. 

Co-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the HLPF and Co-Rapporteur of the EP Resolution on SDG Implementation 

 

11:05- 11:50 Speakers interventions: 

  • Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
  • Mr Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament, Co-Rapporteur of the EP Resolution on SDG Implementation
  • Prof. Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)
  • Mr Joakim Harlin, Chief Manager, UNEP-DHI Centre on Water and Environment - Evidence of SDG 6 Progress (remotely, tbc) 
  • A Representative from the Food and Agricultural Organization (tbc) 
  • Ms Elisabeth Koch - Women in Water and diplomacy Network 
  • Ms Alexandra Chevalier - Water Aid, EU Representative 

Q&A session (35 minutes)

12:25- 12:30 Closing remarks by Ms Abir Al-Sahlani, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Development. 

Co-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the HLPF. 

Networking lunch from 12:30 – 13:15 at the EU delegation 

 

Background

Less than 4 years remain to achieve the goals of the Agenda 2030, encompassing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Unfortunately progress for most of the goals is slow, has stalled completely, or is even reversing.

The 2026 High-level Political Forum (HLPF), under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all” will review progress, inter alia, on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 

SDG 6 is one of the worst performing SDGs, with none of its targets being met or on track to being met, and with half of its targets experiencing either stagnation or regression.

Access to water and water resilience are key for achieving several other SDGs. They are for example instrumental to improve global health coverage, access to education, to achieve poverty reduction and food security. Strengthening water resilience is crucial in the face of increasing pressures from climate change, droughts, floods and pollution, increased water demand and competing uses, by private households, industry and agriculture. The protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems is essential for water security, biodiversity, climate resilience and ocean health. Furthermore, water security and particularly access to clean water and sanitation have a significant impact on economic stability and peace.

Water does not know borders, and international cooperation is essential to achieving SDG 6. The 2026 UN Water Conference in December, which aims at accelerating the implementation of SDG 6, is testimony to this. 

The achievement of SDG 6 depends, inter alia, on inclusive governance, effective legislation, smart and effective use of public budgets, and continuous monitoring and oversight – fields in which Parliaments are important actors. When it comes to achieving the SDGs, the essential role of parliaments at all levels of government is also recognized by UNGA resolution 77/159 from December 2022, pointing to the enaction of legislation, the adoption of budgets and ensuring accountability. Furthermore, parliaments wield considerable soft power, as a forum for discussion and input: they bring together, inter alia, state actors, citizens, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, and representatives of minorities. 

 

Objectives 

This side event aims to shed light on identifying the main obstacles to achieving SDG 6, and the potential role parliaments can play in overcoming those obstacles. 

Through interactive exchanges and multi-stakeholder dialogue, the event will:

  • Discuss the main problem areas hindering the achievement of SDG 6;
  • Identify those problem areas where parliaments can effectively contribute to their solution, through their legislative, budgetary, oversight and convening powers;

Key Topics

The discussions will focus on the following main areas:

  • Obstacles to achieving SDG 6, such as:
    • Climate change, in particular extreme weather events such as floods and droughts,
    • Pollution (plastic and other solid and liquid waste from households, industry, agriculture and others) and lack of waste water treatment,
    • Overuse and inefficient management of freshwater ecosystems, lack of integration of local communities and their knowledge,
    • Destruction of ecosystems required for healthy water-cycles (deforestation, land use),
    • Lack of cross-border cooperation in water use and management;
  • How can parliaments contribute to solving the problems in achieving SDG 6, including by showcasing practical examples:
    • Legislation – examples: water pollution, regulating water use and water management, protection of ecosystems, restoration of rivers and freshwater bodies,
    • Budgetary powers - examples: providing funds to support renaturation and restoration of water bodies, waste water treatment systems, data collection, increasing water use efficiency,
    • oversight powers, transparency and accountability,
    • act as drivers of cross-border cooperation and resolution of conflicts related to water,
    • convening space: inclusion of women, youth, indigenous communities, marginalised groups, local authorities, civil society organisations etc.