Exploring the Interlinkages of Freshwater and Sanitation Indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation

The first thematic focus of the “Achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation” at the Water for Climate Pavilion focuses on the on-going official process of developing freshwater indicators for the targets of the UAE Global Climate Resilience Framework, highlighting the cross-cutting nature of water.

This discussion will serve both as a checkpoint for the ongoing work under the UNFCCC GGA work programme and a space for collaborative dialogue on how to design robust, science-based indicators that will drive meaningful adaptation efforts in water management and associated biodiversity. The session will highlight water as a connector between the other thematic and policy cycle targets, manifesting how water can raise ambition and facilitate climate and wider environmental action.

Outline

Welcoming and scene setting presentation – (Tove Lexén, WaterAid Sweden & others – TBC)

This segment will include: introduction to the GGA framework, the water targets and the current status of the UAE-Belém work programme. Preview of the water indicators compiled by the UNFCCC and the Adaptation Committee. Presentation of ongoing water sector work to define climate-resilient water supply and sanitation. Presentation on data availability and access to data on water-related hazards as a key means to enhance resilience.

Panel Discussion and Q&A: Water as Connector – (Moderator: Emilie Beauchamp. Lead, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Adaptation to Climate Change, IISD)

The panel will focus on interlinkages between water and other thematic targets. The panel discussion will be relevant to the indicator development but also take on a more amplified perspective on interlinkages and connections.

• Water perspective 1: Feng Hu,Silkroad Earth & International Specialist, APAC Policy International Specialist, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) – Water Expert Group Member
• Water perspective 2: Komlavi Akpoti, Post-Doctoral Fellow-Spatial Hydrology, IWMI
• Water perspective 3: Christiana Photiadou, European Environment Agency – Water Expert Group Member (TBC)
• Food perspective: Lucy Njuguna, CGIAR- Food Expert Group Member (Virtual)
• Health perspective: Maria Walawende, Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change
• Ecosystems perspective: Tristan Tyrell, UN CBD secretariat
• Infrastructure perspective: Rod Naylor, GHD
• Poverty & Livelihood perspective 1: tika BEN MAID, AFD, Responsable adjointe de la Division Climat et Nature, Deputy Head of the Climate and Nature Unit
• Poverty & Livelihood perspective 2: Jana Bischler, ILO Social Protection – Research & Evidence – Climate Change 
• Adaptation Cycle perspective and general thematic areas: Rohini Kohli, UNDP (informal co-ordinator of the adaptation policy group)
• Interlinkages to other Rio Conventions 1: Pan Ei Ei Phyoe, Water Systems Associate, Ambition Loop – Technical support to COP16 Desertification Presidency
• Interlinkages to other Rio Conventions 2: Tristan Tyrell, UN CBD secretariat

Discussion in plenary with the room participants

Close of session