FAO Hosts Rome Water Dialogue on Coordinated Water Management

Water is critical to agriculture and other economic sectors, and its management is crucial to achieving all 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Climate change is driving a reassessment of both the value of water and the risks of water, as water scarcity, droughts and floods become more frequent and severe, while hunger and food insecurity are also growing. 

Integrated management of land, soil and water is needed to develop innovative solutions for sustainability, water and food security.
 
According to FAO, the majority of water is lost through mismanagement, leakage, pollution and waste at all points in the distribution and use system, so investment in better water management, storage, treatment and reuse is essential.

The event was part of the preparations for the upcoming UN 2023 Water Conference (22-24 March) and aimed at bringing attention to the interconnections between water and sustainable development. Participants discussed the need for strong political will to recognize, value, and manage water effectively. They also explored ways to address the complex interconnections between water and various SDGs.

• The summary report of this event is here.
• The recording of the event is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. 

In addition, you can find powerpoint presentations made during the event here:  

• "National Water Roadmap towards 2030 Agenda", by Mr. Lifeng Li, Director, Land and Water Division, FAO
• “Water, Agriculture and Food Security", by Ms. Sasha Koo-Oshima, Deputy Director, Land and Water Division, FAO