The President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, opened on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (CICAD), the high-level preparatory meeting for the United Nations Water Conference.

This major event, to be held in Abu Dhabi in December 2026 for two days, aims to mobilize governments and stakeholders to address the challenges related to access to drinking water and sanitation, to promote international cooperation for water management, to identify innovative solutions to improve access to water and sanitation, and also to mobilize funding to make the necessary investments.

In his opening speech, the head of state stressed the importance of water as a vital resource for humanity and the planet, calling for collective action to address the challenges related to access to drinking water and sanitation.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye recalled that the water crisis is a global reality, with 2.2 billion people who do not have access to safe drinking water and 3.5 billion who are deprived of adequate sanitation services.

He stressed that 40% of the African population particularly affected by this crisis do not have access to clean drinking water and that more than 70% lack basic sanitation services.

President Faye called for increased mobilization of funding to make the necessary investments to improve access to water and sanitation, while stressing the importance of international cooperation to meet these challenges.

He also stressed the need for local communities, young people and women to participate in water management and decision-making.

The event will bring together representatives from governments, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to discuss issues related to water and sanitation.