Mobilizing Resources through the Freshwater Challenge for a water secure and resilient future
Date and time: Thursday 10 December 2026 | 15:30–16:45
Venue: Room 1, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Relevant Interactive Dialogue: Water for Planet
Purpose
This event will bring together Freshwater Challenge member countries, financing institutions, businesses and delivery partners to explore how finance, technical support, data and partnerships can accelerate freshwater protection and restoration. Member countries will showcase how they are translating commitments into national action, contributing to the Challenge’s ambition to bring 300,000 km of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of degraded wetlands under restoration by 2030, alongside protecting important freshwater ecosystems. Their experiences will guide discussion on advancing SDG 6.6, strengthening water security and drought resilience, and supporting climate adaptation and biodiversity goals, including the 30×30 target.
Background and rationale
Healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands support water security, drought resilience, biodiversity and climate adaptation. Turning national commitments into action requires sustained finance, delivery capacity and coordination across sectors. The Freshwater Challenge provides a country-led platform to connect these needs with support from governments, civil society, financing institutions and businesses.
Launched at the 2023 UN Water Conference, the Freshwater Challenge brings together governments, civil society, financing institutions and businesses to advance country-led freshwater protection and restoration. It aims to bring 300,000 km of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of degraded wetlands under restoration by 2030, alongside conserving important freshwater ecosystems. The initiative supports delivery through existing national climate, biodiversity, land restoration and development plans, combining peer-to-peer support, data and tools, and financing opportunities through GEF, GCF and private-sector mechanisms.
High-level participation in the event is expected, including ministers and senior representatives from Freshwater Challenge member countries and the 2026 Conference co-hosts, subject to confirmation. The discussion will draw on the GEF-supported global programme, including pilots in Brazil, Cambodia and Tanzania, and the Business Supporter Programme as examples of support that can help countries advance their freshwater priorities.
Objectives
1. Share country experience in translating freshwater protection and restoration commitments into national plans and implementation priorities.
2. Identify how public, multilateral and private resources, together with technical support, data and tools, can help address country needs.
3. Connect country priorities with financing opportunities, peer support and practical partnerships through the Freshwater Challenge.
Organisers
Lead organiser: Wetlands International and WWF
Organising partners: IUCN, Conservation International, Convention on Wetlands Secretariat, The Nature Conservancy, UNCCD, UNEP, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Contacts
Richard Lee, Head of Communications, Wetlands International, [email protected]
Eric Oyare, WWF Africa, [email protected]
Proposed Agenda
A 75-minute moderated session combining country perspectives, discussion with finance and delivery partners, and audience exchange. Speakers and ministerial participation are subject to confirmation.
Welcome remarks on behalf of Freshwater Challenge Core Partner
Country Perspectives from some of the 55 Member Countries, including Brazil, Kenya, Mongolia, Nepal, Peru, UK (TBC) and Zambia
Finance and delivery Support: Finance, technical and business partners explore responses to country needs, including programme support, investment preparation, data and partnerships. Speakers include: African Development Bank, Dr Bapon Fakhruddin (Green Climate Fund), Monica Ellis (Global Water Challenge on Behalf of Coca Cola Africa Operating Unit), Alex Mung (AB in Bev), Central Bank (Spain TBC), Dean Muruven (BCG)
Next Step and Closing