Cities warned water inequality threatens health and stability ahead of 2026 UN conference

As cities expand and climate pressures intensify, access to safe water and sanitation is becoming one of the world’s most urgent urban challenges.

At the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, U.N. agencies, local governments and urban experts warned that millions of urban residents still lack basic services, exposing deep structural inequalities.

The session examined how housing, land rights, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services must be better integrated to build inclusive and resilient cities ahead of the 2026 U.N. Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.

Informal settlements on the frontline

Discussions highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by people living in informal settlements. Many families continue to experience unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, insecure housing and growing exposure to climate-related risks.

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Participants stressed that these overlapping vulnerabilities require coordinated solutions. Access to water and sanitation, they argued, is not only a development issue but also a fundamental determinant of living conditions and public health.

Water as a human right

A central theme of the session was the recognition of water as a universal entitlement. Rocío Lombera González, general coordinator of international affairs in Mexico City, said: “Water is a human right. Water is a shared resource belonging to all humanity and to all residents.”

This framing shaped calls for stronger policy commitments, particularly for marginalised communities lacking formal land ownership or legal recognition.

Climate pressures and infrastructure gaps

Climate change is compounding existing challenges. While some cities are experiencing heavier rainfall, this does not necessarily translate into improved access to water.

Rose Molokoane, co-founder of Slum Dwellers International, explained: “Water scarcity, even though we’ve got a lot of rain… is not relevant because it creates flooding and the rain just moves away.”

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She added: “It is important to build more reservoirs that can contain enough water for our communities.”

The comments underscored the need for infrastructure capable of both managing excess water and securing supply during periods of shortage.

The role of local governments

Local authorities were identified as critical actors in addressing the crisis. Municipal leaders highlighted their direct responsibility for delivering essential services.

González added: “As governments, we carry the responsibility of providing these services to the population every day, and we face these challenges more directly than any other level of administration.”

Speakers also called for stronger recognition of local governments in global policymaking, particularly at the upcoming U.N. Water Conference.

Linking policy to action

Delegates emphasised the importance of embedding WASH services within broader urban strategies, including slum upgrading, land governance and city planning frameworks. Without secure tenure and inclusive policies, many communities remain excluded from essential services.

A key outcome of the session was the launch of a roadmap linking WUF13 to the 2026 U.N. Water Conference. The plan aims to support cities in developing climate-resilient WASH systems and securing long-term financing.

Partnerships and the path forward

Development banks, utilities and local experts presented successful urban case studies, demonstrating that progress is possible through effective collaboration. However, participants agreed that scaling these solutions will require stronger partnerships and sustained political commitment.

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The broader implications were also clear. González warned that failure to address water inequality “could otherwise become a source of future global conflict.”

A call for coordinated action

The session concluded with a unified message: achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 - universal access to water and sanitation - will depend on inclusive planning, integrated policy and targeted investment in the communities most in need.

As momentum builds towards the 2026 conference in Abu Dhabi, discussions in Baku have laid the groundwork. The challenge now is to turn commitments into tangible change for millions still living without safe water at home.

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WUF13 WUF13 Baku Azerbaijan UN Habitat