Financing Water Security for Sustainable, Equitable and Climate-Resilient Economies

Side Event at the United Nations Water Conference

The Global Center on Adaptation is organizing a side-event during the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi (8-10 December 2026), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF)

Event description

Achieving SDG 6 requires climate-risk-informed water investments as resilient water services are fundamental to social and economic resilience and prosperity. Drawing on country and portfolio experience, senior representatives from partner MDBs, the GCF and national governments will explore how public, private, blended and development finance can close the water-sector adaptation finance gap and scale resilient investment. The discussion will highlight approaches that combine robust infrastructure, including nature-based and green-grey solutions, with stronger institutions, governance, regulation, planning, and long-term operation and maintenance. It will identify practical partnerships and financing pathways that connect investment in water security with broader prosperity