Agrifood systems transformation highlighted as global experts discuss accelerated actions needed to achieve SDG 6

Global experts discussed concrete actions to accelerate progress to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all at the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 convened in Dakar, Senegal. The event took place on the sidelines of the High-Level Preparatory Meeting ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. The meeting was co-organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

It brought together policymakers, UN entities, researchers, farmers, practitioners and civil society to take stock of progress towards SDG 6 and identify priorities to strengthen implementation as the world approaches 2030.

A presentation by UN DESA highlighted that while access to water, sanitation and hygiene services has improved since 2015, progress remains far off track. Billions of people still lack safely managed drinking water, sanitation and basic hygiene, and no region is currently on course to achieve universal coverage by 2030. Water stress is intensifying in many regions, while freshwater ecosystems continue to degrade, posing growing risks to food security, livelihoods and climate resilience.

FAO, as custodian agency for SDG 6.4 indicators on water use efficiency and water scarcity, underscored the central role of water in agrifood systems transformation. Agriculture accounts for 72 percent of global freshwater withdrawals and is both a driver and a victim of water scarcity. This makes integrated and efficient water management essential for achieving SDG 6, while also advancing progress on food security, climate action and ecosystem protection.

Mr Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, highlighted that as the world's largest sectoral water user, agrifood systems hold the key to addressing water and food security challenges by increasing water use efficiency and reducing pressure on freshwater resources. "Agrifood systems lie at the center of the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus, being both part of the solution and part of the challenge”, he stressed.

Expert panels then discussed strategic actions across the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus (WEFE) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The WEFE panel discussion highlighted the need for cross-sectoral interventions at river basin level, expanding clean‑energy‑powered water systems, wastewater reuse and nature base solutions; scaling watershed restoration; and improved access to finance to enable smallholder farmers to invest in water harvesting, efficient irrigation, and climate‑smart technologies.

The WASH discussion underscored that achieving SDG 6 hinges on addressing the social dimensions of water and sanitation. Panelists emphasized that advancing SDG 6 requires strengthening accountability, upholding the right to water and sanitation, increasing financing, and ensuring that the needs of the most marginalized, particularly women, girls and Indigenous Peoples, are at the centre of decision‑making.

Panelists also reflected on the interconnected nature of SDG 6 with other SDGs, in particular those under review at the 2026 High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development: SDGs 7, 9, 11 and 17. The discussions explored the contribution of integrated approaches, innovative financing, strengthened governance and inclusive partnerships in generating synergies and facilitating the management trade-offs, to leave no one behind.

A report will be available synthesizing key messages, priority actions and policy-relevant recommendations and will provide a substantive contribution to the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, helping to inform the in-depth review of SDG 6 and support accelerated action towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and beyond.

Read more about FAO's participation in the 2030 Agenda follow-up and review processes at global, regional, national and local levels here.