A process that brings everyone along – no empty promise

What made this preparatory meeting so special? It wasn't the usual "behind closed doors". The ambition was clear: we are shaping the UN Water process in a co-creative and inclusive way.

The principle of "leaving no one behind" in Dakar was not a buzzword for glossy brochures, but lived practice. Governments sat together with multilateral institutions, the private sector and – very importantly – grassroots organizations. Listening happened exactly where the work takes place on a daily basis. This exchange at eye level is precisely the spirit we love at Viva con Agua!

Viva con Agua: A loud voice for civil society

We are incredibly proud that Viva con Agua, as part of the German WASH Network, was not just present but right at the center! We were able to provide key impulses from both a technical and strategic perspective.

A real highlight was the dedication of our colleague Belinda Abraham. On the Preparatory Stakeholder Day, she did not just participate, but actively co-shaped the process and moderated with confidence. Belinda connected actors, built bridges, and demonstrated how much power lies in collaboration. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive – many called this day the strongest of the entire meeting. This shows that our way of tackling things – with joy and openness – makes a difference!

Six paths to a water-rich future

Dakar was not just about talking; concrete steps were taken. A key outcome is the establishment of six thematic working groups paving the way to the UN Water Conference. These groups are co-led internationally and demonstrate how diverse the topic of water is:

1. Water for People: This is about the core of our work – access for all, especially for vulnerable groups, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

2. Water for Prosperity: How can we connect water, energy, and innovation to create prosperity?

3. Water for the Planet: The focus here is on protecting our ecosystems and managing extreme weather events.

4. Water for Cooperation: Building trust, clarifying legal frameworks, and living radically inclusive leadership.

5. Water in Multilateral Processes: Using water as a bridge to other policy areas and making impact measurable.

6. Investments for Water: How do we finance the future? This is about banks, private actors, and fiscal levers.

This structure makes it clear: water is no longer viewed in isolation. It is the key to social justice, ecological protection, and economic development.

Strong encounters and a clear compass

The personal encounters on site were particularly inspiring. The exchange with Retno L. P. Marsudi (Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Water) and Pedro Arrojo Agudo (UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation) deeply impressed us.

At the same time, recent reports like the WHO/GLAAS Report and the Global Risks Report of the World Economic Forum underline the urgency: water is one of the central global risks of our time – but it is also the most important part of the solution!

All for Water – We keep going!

We are taking away from Dakar not just a long to-do list, but above all the confirmation of our path. We feel strengthened by the trust and the many open doors we were able to experience. The next months will be exciting: from Hamburg to New York to the major international processes, we carry this energy forward. We are grateful to be part of this movement and to fight together with you for a world without thirst.

Let's keep going. ALL IN FOR WATER!