FAO statement at Preparatory meeting for the UN Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the objectives of the International Decade for Action 'Water for Sustainable Development' 2018-2028

Preparatory meeting for the United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028

Statement by FAO

Delivered by Lucas Tavares, Senior Liaison Officer, FAO Liaision with the UN in New York

 

Mr President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Thank you for giving me the floor. 

Agriculture is both contributing to, and suffering from, the impact of the ongoing water crisis. Against the backdrop of exacerbating food insecurity worldwide stemming from multidimensional factors including the triple planetary crisis, more than ever, SDG 6 is crucial to the achievement of zero hunger by 2030. 

The 2023 UN Water Conference provides an unprecedented opportunity to raise awareness of the role of water in all dimensions of development, including in the context of sustainable agri-food system transformation to achieve better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life, leaving no one behind. 

FAO has been supporting the 2023 Water Conference since the onset of its preparatory phase. We proposed at the 9th World Water Forum to technically and financially support countries to develop National Water Roadmaps. Through national water dialogues and concrete actions, countries are encouraged to reaffirm water-related objectives to achieve all SDGs by 2030, as a voluntary commitment to be shared at the upcoming conference. 

FAO would like to reaffirm its commitment to the preparatory process of the UN Water Conference and, in particular, express its support for the proposed interactive dialogue on Water for Development. 

FAO would also like to announce the Rome Water Dialogue, a special event on the road to the 2023 Water Conference, that will be held on 29 November in hybrid format from FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. We consider the Rome Water Dialogue as a valuable contribution to the preparatory process of next year’s conference. 

Thank you for your attention.