Water Operators' Partnerships: Accelerating SDG 6 through Utility Peer-to-peer Collaboration

UN2026 World Waternet in-person side session. Inside the UN accredited zone of the Conference venue (Blue Zone).  
Thursday December 10th 15.30-16.45 local time. More information to follow closer to the event.

About the Event

Water Operators' Partnerships (WOPs) are a proven and scalable approach to strengthening the water cycle and sanitation utilities, and accelerating progress towards SDG 6. This side event will showcase how WOPs foster cross-sectoral collaboration between utilities, governments, financial institutions, agricultural stakeholders and development partners, leading to improved utility performance, increased financial sustainability and a stronger investment climate. With nearly 500 partnerships connecting close to 800 utilities worldwide, WOPs demonstrate tangible impact at scale. Co-hosted by high-level government representatives, the event will mark the operational launch of WaterWorX Phase 3,  and UN GWOPA EU-WOP Phase 2, and Blue Deal Phase 2b, and the continuation of the work of ADB and GIZ on peer-to-peer partnerships, highlighting innovative partnership models and financing approaches that support sustainable and resilient water services.
 

Background UN2026 Conference

The United Nations General Assembly will convene the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Senegal, in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2026.

Access to safe water and sanitation is a fundamental human right and remains central to health, economic opportunity and sustainable development.

Bringing together governments, water professionals, civil society, financial institutions and the private sector, the conference will focus on practical action to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6. Discussions will explore how stronger partnerships, targeted investment and knowledge exchange can help address global water challenges.