By Cecilia Chiluba,Zambia,Lusaka
Zambia has pledged firm commitment to working closely with Finland as the two countries prepare to co-chair the 2026 United Nations (UN) Water Conference.
The conference is scheduled to take place in December 2026 in the United Arab Emirates, under the theme “Water for Cooperation.”
The conference will be held in collaboration with UN Member States and international partners to advance shared priorities on sustainable water management and cooperation.
Zambia made the commitment on the sidelines of the ongoing preparatory meeting currently being held in Dakar, Senegal.
The Zambian delegation was led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Engineer Romas Kamanga, while the Finnish delegation was headed by the Special Envoy for Water, Antti Rautavaara.
Speaking during the engagement, Eng. Kamanga underscored the critical importance of championing water diplomacy as Zambia and Finland prepare to co-chair the 2026 UN Water Conference.
In his remarks, Finnish Special Envoye for Water Antti Rautavaara expressed Finland’s honour at being elected alongside Zambia to co-chair the conference.
“Finland looks forward to close and productive collaboration with Zambia in the lead-up to the landmark global event,” he said.
Meanwhile, UN Special Envoy Retno Marsudi highlighted the vital role of water diplomacy in fostering a water-secure, peaceful, and resilient future.
She stressed the importance of water in addressing global challenges related to development, stability, and sustainability.
