26 June 2018
UN-Water Responds to Recommendation for Meetings at Highest Level
story highlights

UN-Water will create a UN-Water Task Force to explore the possibilities of holding high-level meetings to strengthen and accelerate SDG 6 implementation.

The creation of the Task Force is a response to recommendations from the High-Level Panel on Water (HLPW).

14 June 2018: UN-Water has responded to the recommendations of the High-Level Panel on Water (HLPW) and the UN-Water External Review regarding the establishment of water meetings at the highest level. As an outcome from a recent retreat, UN-Water announced that a UN-Water Task Force will be created to support the review of the objectives, format, budget, frequency and other aspects related to the convening of such meetings, which would seek to review and accelerate implementation of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation).

The Task Force will be coordinated by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The HLPW report on SDG 6, which was released in March 2018, calls for a fundamental shift in water management around the world, including the adoption of evidence-based policies and a doubling of water infrastructure investment in the next five years. The external review of UN-Water found that, while UN-Water has made progress in representing “one voice” for the UN on water, more high-level participation in meetings would further promote the water agenda. The review recommended convening a meeting of Member States, including prospective donors, at the senior level to discuss strengthening the global water architecture, including the possible appointment of a UN Special Representative for Water. [UN-Water Web Page on External Review] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on HLPW Report]

related posts