2026 UN Water Conference Side Events Call for Applications [UN Conference in Abu Dhabi]: Apply by July 31

Applications are now open for organizations interested in organizing official side events during the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will take place from 8–10 December 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), United Arab Emirates.

Co-hosted by the Republic of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, the Conference aims to accelerate action towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Clean Water and Sanitation for All.

In parallel with the official conference programme, selected side events will provide opportunities for governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, youth networks, and other accredited stakeholders to showcase initiatives, exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and contribute to global water solutions.

Applications must be submitted by 31 July 2026.

About the 2026 UN Water Conference

The 2026 United Nations Water Conference is a major global gathering focused on accelerating progress towards SDG 6 and strengthening international cooperation on water and sanitation.

The Conference will bring together:

Governments
United Nations entities
International organizations
Researchers and academics
Civil society organizations
Youth representatives
Private sector stakeholders
Development practitioners

Participants will discuss challenges, innovative solutions, and practical actions needed to improve water security, sanitation access, and sustainable water management worldwide.

About the Side Events Programme

A limited number of high-level side events will be organized alongside the official conference programme.

These events are intended to:

Promote collaboration among stakeholders
Share successful initiatives and innovations
Highlight research and evidence-based solutions
Foster partnerships for SDG implementation
Encourage dialogue on water-related challenges and opportunities
Accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Only approved side events will be included in the official programme of the Conference.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from:

UN Member States
United Nations entities
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)
Accredited civil society organizations
Academic institutions
Research organizations
Networks and coalitions
Other accredited stakeholders

Important Eligibility Requirement

Only organizations that are officially accredited to the 2026 UN Water Conference can be listed as lead organizers or co-organizers of side events.

Organizations are responsible for verifying the accreditation status of all partners involved in their proposed event.

Priority Consideration

Due to limited space in the UN-accredited zone at the conference venue, priority will be given to:

Side events organized by UN Member States
Collaborative proposals involving multiple organizations or networks
Partnership-based initiatives that demonstrate broad stakeholder engagement

Applicants are strongly encouraged to collaborate with other organizations when developing proposals.

Event Format

Approved side events will be organized:

In-person
Within the UN-accredited zone of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
Alongside the official programme of the 2026 UN Water Conference

Why Organize a Side Event?

Organizing a side event provides an opportunity to:

Showcase your organization's work to a global audience
Engage directly with policymakers and decision-makers
Build international partnerships
Highlight innovative solutions and research
Contribute to discussions on SDG 6 implementation
Increase the visibility of ongoing projects and initiatives
Connect with experts working on water, sanitation, climate, and sustainable development

Important Dates

Application Deadline

31 July 2026

Notification of Selected Side Events

Week of 14 September 2026 (tentative)

Conference Dates

8–10 December 2026

How to Apply?

Step 1

Carefully review the official Side Event Application Guidelines.

Step 2

Ensure that your organization is accredited to participate in the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Step 3

Develop a side event proposal aligned with the objectives of SDG 6 and the Conference.

Step 4

Complete the official online application form.

Step 5

Submit your proposal before 31 July 2026.

Important Instructions

Only one application per organization/entity should be submitted.
Duplicate applications will not be considered.
Only approved events will be featured in the official side events programme.
Accreditation requirements must be fulfilled before applying.
Organizers are responsible for ensuring that all listed partners are accredited.

Application Link

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYzxewRSO3-jEonrzZtnU79NGWhErilV1w5b3chSF-dXH3zQ/viewform

Accreditation Information

https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/water2026/participate

Conference Information

https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/water2026

Contact

Email: water2026@un.org

(Use “[Side Events]” in the email subject line for side event-related inquiries.)

Conclusion

The 2026 UN Water Conference Side Events Programme offers organizations a unique opportunity to contribute to global discussions on water, sanitation, sustainability, and climate resilience. Accredited organizations working in these areas are encouraged to submit strong collaborative proposals and take part in one of the world's most important water-focused United Nations conferences.