The 32nd UN-Water Meeting reviewed a draft UN-Water 2030 Strategy and forwarded input to the negotiation process under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to develop a post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Meeting participants also discussed a proposed SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) Global Acceleration Framework in the context of the UN Secretary-General’s recent call for a Decade of Action to deliver the 2030 Agenda.

The SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework is expected to include a commitment platform for the acceleration of the Decade of Action, strengthened cross-sectoral approaches using the six entry points for transformative action identified in the Global Sustainable Development Report 2019, and better coordination and delivery at the country level. Participants at the 32nd UN-Water Meeting decided to commit to develop the Framework with the aim of launching it at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2020. 

In addition, plans to engage at the country and regional levels were discussed in light of ongoing UN reforms, and participants were briefed on the upcoming launch of the CEO Water Mandate’s Water Resilience Pledge/Coalition.

Participants also discussed the roadmap for upcoming UN high-level meetings on water and sanitation that will take place in 2021 and 2023. They highlighted opportunities to use a variety of forums, summits and other meetings taking place in the lead up to these events to shape a cohesive and comprehensive strategy to address important SDG 6 issues, both effectively and efficiently. Discussants also highlighted UN-Water’s Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6 and efforts to update monitoring and reporting in the lead up to these high-level meetings. 

The 32nd UN-Water Meeting took place in Rome, Italy, from 28-29 January 2020. UN-Water Meetings bring Members and Partners together twice a year to carry out the mandate of informing policies, monitoring and reporting, and inspiring action on water and sanitation issues. The 33rd UN-Water meeting will convene in August 2020 in Stockholm, Sweden, immediately prior to 2020 World Water Week. [Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary of 32nd UN-Water meeting]