After the conclusion of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) on 12 December, World Health Organization (WHO) experts, together with stakeholders from a range of sectors celebrated a significant accomplishment: the comprehensive integration of water, sanitation, health and food systems into the conference's text concerning the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
The Water for Climate Pavilion, organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and featuring WHO as a principal collaborator, was the focal point for water-related discussions at COP28. WHO hosted several sessions at the pavilion (now available online).
In addition, over 150 water-centric sessions were conducted at various locations throughout COP28. A notable announcement at the Water for Climate Pavilion was the decision by Kazakhstan and France to co-host the One Water Summit, aligning with the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024.
In collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, WHO also underscored the essential role of sanitation in climate resilience through the newly-formed Climate-Resilient Sanitation Coalition and issued the COP Declaration on Climate and Health, endorsed so far by 123 countries and recognizing the importance of water and sanitation for healthier populations.
Read the full work programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
