By Abdullahi Lukman
Egypt and Japan have been appointed joint chairs of the “Water for Planet” dialogue track at the United Nations Water Conference 2026, Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation announced on Saturday.
According to the ministry, the dialogue will focus on protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, restoring the natural water cycle and strengthening resilience to climate change and water scarcity, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, said the appointment reflects sustained coordination between his ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said while the water ministry developed the technical proposals and policy framework for the dialogue, the foreign ministry led diplomatic engagements with international partners, resulting in Egypt securing the role alongside Japan.
Sewilam noted that cooperation between Egypt and Japan on water and climate issues has developed into a model partnership, building on joint efforts during the 2023 UN Water Conference.
The minister said that earlier collaboration highlighted the value of nature-based solutions, green policies and community-driven adaptation in addressing global water challenges.
He added that Egypt would use the 2026 conference to strengthen international cooperation on water issues, mobilise financing, share expertise and build institutional capacity to support practical outcomes for the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN Water Conference 2026, to be jointly hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, is scheduled to hold in the UAE in December 2026.
