WASAG’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is now fully operational, advancing the WASAG Strategy 2025–2031

Following the nomination and election of its members, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of WASAG has become fully operational, positioned to bring scientific and technical expertise to the forefront of global efforts to address water scarcity in agriculture.

With its diverse composition of 21 members representing FAO regional groups, UN agencies, government bodies, research institutions, civil society, NGOs, private sector and professional organizations, the TAC provides scientific and technical leadership to guide WASAG’s work, strengthen collaboration among partners, and deliver tangible results for member countries. The full composition of the TAC is now available here.

During its inaugural meeting on 29 October 2025, Professor Chandra Madramootoo was unanimously elected Chair of the TAC. This appointment builds on his contributions to addressing water scarcity issues and reflects his long-standing engagement with WASAG since its establishment, having served on its Steering Committees. This new role builds on his continued support to WASAG’s mission to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The TAC plays a critical role in supporting WASAG’s activities by advising the Steering Committee and the Plenary Assembly on issues relating to water scarcity; guiding the working groups and task forces; reviewing and ensuring the technical quality of activities, knowledge products, and partnership applications; and supporting WASAG’s participation in international events.

The TAC first set out to review the WASAG Strategy 2025–2031, which aims to guide the implementation of the Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture and to drive urgent and impactful adaptation while building resilience to water scarcity in agriculture. During dedicated consultations on the new WASAG Strategy, held on 20 and 21 November 2025, the TAC accomplished this review of the draft Strategy, confirming its technical quality and strategic relevance.

Next, the draft Strategy will be submitted to the WASAG Steering Committee for final endorsement at the start of 2026.

Looking ahead at its upcoming priorities, the TAC will elect Vice-Chair(s) and will seek to strengthen representation from regional groups and partners in its leadership. The TAC will also focus on strengthening coordination and delivery across WASAG’s workstreams, which will include convening a meeting to launch the new WASAG task forces. In addition, the TAC seeks to promote knowledge exchange through upcoming webinars.

On 3 and 4 February 2026, the WASAG working group on financing mechanisms will lead a working session which involves the TAC, all WASAG working groups and task forces. The session will provide guidance on future funding opportunities for WASAG activities and contribute to the development of the WASAG Resource Mobilization Strategy.

With its operational launch, the TAC is set to play a central technical and scientific role in guiding WASAG and shaping global responses to water scarcity in agriculture for resilient agrifood systems. Through its work, the TAC will aim to further strengthen WASAG’s mandate to bring together key global and cross-sectoral actors to improve water use in agriculture and support food security for all. The TAC is also expected to assist in preparing for the first Plenary Assembly of WASAG, the 3rd WASAG International Forum and the forthcoming UN Water Conference.