UNESCO MEDIA ADVISORY: World Water Day 2026 & Launch of UN Publications
UNIC-Islamabad
15 June 2026
_____________
UNESCO
MEDIA ADVISORY
World Water Day 2026
& Launch of UN Publications
Publications: United Nations World Water Development Report 2026, UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) 2025 Report, and Guidelines for Science, Policy, Practice Interface for Achieving Water Security in Pakistan Strategic Cooperation Roadmap (2026-2030): Consultative Meeting
When: Tuesday, 16 May 2026, 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Where: Best Western Hotel, Islamabad
What: UNESCO as lead organization in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNESCO Water Chair on Knowledge Systems for IWRM at COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah Campus, the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) and ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) organized this year’s World Water Day. During the event three important publications will be launched i.e. United Nations World Water Development Report 2026, UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) 2025 Report and Guidelines for Science, Policy, Practice Interface for Achieving Water Security in Pakistan, alongside an engaging Roundtable and Panel Discussion.
Who: regional, UN, government partners, youth
Program Agenda:
|
Time |
Activity |
|
|
Inaugural Session |
|
9:30-10:00 |
Arrival of Guests and Networking |
|
10:00-10:05 |
Recitation from the Holy Quran and National Anthem |
|
10:05-10:15 |
Opening Remarks by Mr. Mohamed Yahya, UN Resident Coordinator |
|
10:15-10:25 |
Special Address by Mr. Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Federal Minister for Water Resources |
|
10:25-11:25 |
Round Table on UN World Water Development Report 2026, UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) 2025 and Science Policy Practice Interface Guidelines
Session to start with screening a short video on “The UN World Water Development Report 2026 - Water for All People: Equal Rights and Opportunities”
Session Chair: Mr. Fuad Pashyev, Representative, UNESCO Pakistan Speaker 1: Ms. Pernille Ironside, Representative, UNICEF Pakistan Speaker 2: Ms. Ellen Thom, Deputy Representative, WHO Pakistan Speaker 3: Mr. Fahim Ahmed, Technical Specialist, UNDP Pakistan |
|
11:25-11:35 |
Group photo |
|
11:35-12:00 |
Coffee/Tea Break |
|
12:00-13:15 |
Panel Discussion: From Evidence to Action: Advancing Climate-Resilient and Gender-Responsive Water Governance This panel discussion brings together leading experts and stakeholders to reflect on the key messages emerging from World Water Day 2026 and its focus on the water–climate–gender nexus. It will highlight insights from the UN World Water Development Report 2026, the UN GLAAS Report 2025, and national efforts through the Science–Policy–Practice Interface Guidelines for water resources in Pakistan. The discussion aims to bridge global evidence with national priorities, identifying actionable pathways for inclusive and climate-resilient water governance. Emphasis will be placed on translating knowledge into policy and practice, while strengthening coordination across sectors and institutions. The panel will also serve as a platform to catalyze commitments and partnerships for advancing sustainable water management.
Moderator: Dr. Dan Fang, Cluster Lead, WHO Pakistan Panelists:
Followed by Questions and Answers |
|
13:15-13:25 |
Key Takeaways & The Way Forward by Mr. Fuad Pashayev, Representative of UNESCO in Pakistan |
|
13:25 |
Session Ends with Lunch |
Note to the Media Participants:
You are kindly requested to assign a reporter/cameraperson to cover the event.
For RSVP please contact: Zahra Sohail, Cell: 0309 099 3005, Email: z.so...@unesco.org
We look forward to your participation and coverage.