AU Theme for 2026 : "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063"

World Water Day 2026 Commemoration at the African Union Commission

Theme: Water and Gender

Water and Sanitation Unit, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate, African Union Commission

23 March 2026, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Background

The African Union (AU) has declared 2026 as the Year of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The theme elevates water and sanitation to a continental political priority, recognizing them as catalysts for economic transformation, climate resilience, public health, food security, and regional stability. The theme was launched during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2026.

Despite progress, millions of Africans still lack safe water and sanitation, undermining health, productivity, and human dignity. Climate change is worsening water stress through intensified droughts, floods, and hydrological disruptions. The 2026 Theme responds to this urgent challenge by placing water and sanitation at the centre of Africa’s development and climate agenda.

The 2026 Theme provides a platform to:

• Strengthen Political Leadership. Reaffirm water and sanitation as critical enablers of Agenda 2063 objectives—industrialization, health, peace, food systems, and climate resilience.
• Mobilize Investment and Finance. Support Member States in accessing resources to scale climate resilient water and sanitation services.
• Improve Governance & Policy Alignment. Provide a continental roadmap through the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, enhancing national policy coherence, coordination, and accountability.
• Promote Integrated and Regional Approaches. Advance water-energy-food nexus strategies, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and cooperation on transboundary water systems.
• Build Capacity & Innovation. Strengthen data systems, knowledge sharing, and adoption of innovative technologies for water security and sustainable sanitation.
• Elevate Africa’s Voice Globally. Position Africa to shape global water governance ahead of major multilateral events, including the UN Water Conference 2026.

World Water Day is observed every year on 22 March to highlight the importance of water and advocate for sustainable water management. It raises awareness of the global water crisis and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring water and sanitation for all by 2030.

In line with the AU Theme of the Year 2026, the global theme for World Water Day 2026 — “Water and Gender” with a campaign slogan Where Water Flows, Equality Grows” — emphasizes the transformative role of water and sanitation in advancing gender equality

Lack of safely managed water and sanitation remains a critical equality issue, disproportionately affecting women and girls. They often bear the burden of water collection, face heightened risks to health and safety, and experience barriers to education and economic participation. Ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation is therefore essential to reducing inequalities and empowering women across Africa.

Against this background, the African Union Commission through the department of Water and Sanitation together with the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) alongside its partners will be commemorating the 2026 World Water Day. The event will elevate the  campaign slogan, where water flow, equality grows by discussing solutions capable of closing the gender gap in access to water.

2. Objectives

The objectives of commemorating World Water Day 2026 at the AUC are:

• Highlight the role of water and sanitation in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Showcase voices and lived experiences of women and girls across Africa.
• Share case studies demonstrating how improved access to water and sanitation reduces inequalities.
• Deliver key messages from AU leadership to mobilize political will and partnerships ahead of the UN Water Conference 2026, in the United Arab Emirates from 2–4 December 2026.
• Define the action framework of the AU theme of the year and solicit partners contribution to its realisation.
• Strengthen collaboration among Member States, RECs, civil society, and development partners on gender-responsive water policies and programs.

3. Proposed Event Format

• Time: 11:00-14:00 (EAST)
• Venue: Virtual Platform
• Date: Monday, 23 March 2026

4. Agenda Highlights (please refer to the last section of this document)

5. Expected Outcomes

The following are the expected outcomes.

• Enhanced awareness of the link between water, sanitation, and gender equality.
• Enhanced understanding of the AU theme of the Year and what that means for the global audience.
• Stronger political commitment to gender-responsive water and sanitation policies.
• Amplified voices of women and girls in continental water security discourse.
• Identification of best practices and scalable solutions for Member States.
• Mobilization of partnerships and resources to advance equality through water initiatives.

6. Participants

• AU leadership, including Commissioners
• African Ministers’ Council on Water
• African Development Bank
• Ministers of Water, Gender, and Environment from Member States
• Representatives of RECs
• UN agencies and development partners
• Civil society organizations, women’s groups, and youth networks
• Others