Date: 6 May 2026

Virtual side event : Join the event 

Time: 8:00 - 10:00 (EST, New York time) / (14:00 – 16:00 SA Time)

Introduction

1. The purpose of this concept note is to propose a side event during the 11^th Multi‑Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City from 6 to 7 May 2026. The Forum will convene governments, scientists, innovators, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to accelerate the role of science, technology, and innovation in achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. The proposed side event aligns with the Forum’s theme, “Transformative, equitable and coordinated science, technology and innovation for the 2030 Agenda and a sustainable future for all,” and seeks to foster dialogue, partnerships, and actionable solutions that leverage STI to accelerate sustainable and inclusive development

2. The side event will also serve as a platform to identify new and emerging issues related to STI, exchange national and local experiences and best practices, and showcase voluntary commitments in STI that contribute to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event will act as a gateway to the 11^th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on STI for the SDGs and will focus on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation titled “Water Security for Prosperity: Powering Africa’s Development Through Clean Water and Sanitation.” It will highlight the critical role of water security in supporting sustainable development across the African continent.

3. The discussion will emphasize the importance of strengthening efforts to preserve clean water resources and enhancing capacity-building initiatives for the sustainable management of water systems. This conversation is particularly urgent given the significant implementation gap in achieving SDG 6 in Africa. Currently, only 29% of the population has access to safely managed sanitation, while access to safe water stands at approximately 44% in rural areas and 62% in urban areas. Addressing these gaps requires coordinated efforts, innovative solutions, and strengthened partnerships to accelerate progress toward universal access to clean water and sanitation.

4. It has been shown that Rwanda is leading in integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), doubling its implementation to 68%, with full transboundary waters arrangements to protect assets from erosion. Similarly, Ghana has recorded one of the fastest expansions in access to safely managed drinking water, supported by improved monitoring systems and the adoption of advanced technologies for tracking and treating municipal and industrial wastewater. These experiences demonstrate how effective governance, technological innovation, and strategic investments can accelerate progress toward SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation across Africa.

5. In South Africa, the SDG 6 Biennial progess report of 2024 stated that the country is behind in three of the key targets, 6.1 (Clean Water), 6.2 (Sanitation), and 6.3 (Water Quality) in particular. These are of most concern and are unlikely to reach their targets without a robust financial investment in infrastructure development over the next 7 years. This is a critical challenge and a gap that must be bridged to ensure sufficient and sustainable infrastructure for future generations.

6. Sustainability of South Africa’s water and sanitation infrastructure is crucial for the continued and reliable provision of water and sanitation services to the people of the country. South Africa will not be able to achieve the SDG 6 goal unless there is radical change in the way funding is secured, accessed, and implemented. South Africa must address these challenges and provide a conducive environment to deliver quality and quantity in the smallest timeframe, to spend on the highest impact solutions with the lowest cost. There is also a need to improve economic regulation of water services to address chronic revenue shortages. The SDG 6 programme is not a Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) programme but a sector programme which requires a consolidated effort and a commitment of resources from all relevant stakeholders to achieve its success.

7. This session will explore how governments, development agencies, academia, private sector innovators, entities, and civil society can strengthen capacity across these domains, particularly in water-stressed and developing regions. It will highlight practical strategies, financing mechanisms, policy frameworks, and knowledge-sharing models that accelerate adoption and long-term sustainability.

Objectives of the Side Event

8. The side event aims to advance discussions on strengthening water security and accelerating progress toward SDG 6 by fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders. Specifically, the session will aim to:

• Identify capacity gaps in water management systems and explore opportunities to strengthen institutional and technical capabilities.
• Showcase innovative technologies and scalable solutions, including rainwater harvesting and decentralized storage systems, smart irrigation technologies, industrial water efficiency solutions, decentralized and nature-based wastewater treatment, as well as wastewater recycling and potable and non-potable reuse systems.
• Discuss scalable capacity-building initiatives, knowledge-transfer frameworks, and improved access to financing mechanisms that can support the adoption and scaling of water and sanitation innovations.
• Develop actionable recommendations for policymakers, research institutions, and development partners to support integrated and sustainable water management strategies.

Expected Outcomes

9. The side event is expected to generate the following outcomes:

• Enhanced knowledge exchange through the sharing of experiences, lessons learned, and good practices, including opportunities for learning and exchange programmes among countries and institutions.
• Increased awareness and understanding of how multi-stakeholder partnerships can be strengthened and expanded to accelerate the implementation of sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
• Strengthened collaboration and partnerships among governments, research institutions, development partners, the private sector, and other global stakeholders working on water security and sanitation.
• Identification of opportunities for joint initiatives and investments that support innovative science, technology, and capacity-building solutions in the water and sanitation sector.

Format and participants

10. The side event is planned to be organized as a virtual side event, held in connection with the 11^th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on STI. Expected participants include government officials and representatives from relevant government entities, as well as representatives from development agencies, academia, private sector innovators, and civil society organizations. The event will also engage representatives of African regional and continental institutions, bilateral and multilateral partners, members of the media, and participants attending the STI Forum. 

Please fill out the following form to confirm your side event slot by Friday 10 April 2026, through https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/CFu1BX9gsB

Date: 6 May 2026

Time: 8:00 – 9:15 (New York time) / 15:00 – 16:15 (SA Time) - 75 minutes

Programme Director: TBC