Water is one of the world´s most important resources. It is central to agriculture that accounts for 72 percent of global freshwater withdrawals, to other economic sectors and is essential for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. While there is increasing awareness of water importance, there is still a need for more effective, integrated and coordinated actions, coupled with strong political will in recognizing water in a holistic manner to achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A strong, coherent and explicit integration and prioritization of water into national sustainable development strategies, policies and investment plans is needed to understand why and how water resources should be used to achieve social, economic and environmental objectives embedded in related national development strategies. In this context, as proposed by FAO and endorsed in the Dushanbe Declaration, a country-led water dialogue and country-owned National Water Roadmaps or strategies will help to strengthen the inter-sectoral coordination on sustainable water resources management and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

The Rome Water Dialogue will provide FAO Members and relevant stakeholders with an opportunity for: (i) raising the awareness of water’s role in achieving the SDGs, (ii) deeply connecting the water sector with the largest water user - the agriculture sector; (iii) developing innovative solutions and actions for the future; and (iv) discussing the National Water Roadmap approach to achieving global commitments and SDGs at the national level.  

The event will take place in hybrid modality, with the physical meeting in the Plenary Hall at the FAO Headquarters, and concomitant virtual participation by the Zoom platform. Members wishing to attend in person are invited to express their interest for physical participation by email to [email protected].

For all Members who are unable to participate in person, please register here to join the event virtually.  

The event will be held in English with interpretation in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish. 

For more information and to view the Rome Water Dialogue agenda, please visit the webpage here.