World Water Day

   This session will explore advances in Integrated Water Resources Management strategies through innovative approaches in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and how these can improve water policies for better water allocation. Watch the SD04 - Deep Dive 3 - Rome Water Dialogue - Innovations in agriculture, forestry and fisheries for integrated water resources management! Agencies, Funds & Programmes

  The 20th meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the 20th meeting of the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment under the Water Convention will be held as a joint meeting on 13–15 October 2025 in Geneva. It will start on Monday, 13 October at 3 p.m., and end on Wednesday, 15 October at 6 p.m. The meetings of the two Working Groups are held jointly to exploit synergies in the work of the two bodies. The main objectives of the joint meeting of the Working Groups will be to: Review implementation of the Water Convention programme of work programme for 2025-2027 Discuss progress in the Convention's global opening Discuss the implementation of decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties at its 10th session (Ljubljana, 23-25 October 2024). The meeting will include a thematic interactive session on prevention and mitigation of plastic pollution in transboundary basin management on Wednesday 15 October morning. Related Sites and Documents:...

  Building on previous editions, the High-Level Rome Water Dialogue will celebrate solutions put forward by FAO Members on Integrated Water Resources Management for food security . It will encourage commitments from relevant stakeholders in both water and agriculture sectors to support Integrated Water Resource Management and enhance cross-sectorial collaboration on water for food security .The Rome Water Dialogue 2025 will showcase and celebrate FAO Members' water resources management solutions developed and implemented over the past 80 years, contributing to the FAO's celebration of its 80th Anniversary.   Watch the WD02 - Rome Water Dialogue: High-level segment! Agencies, Funds & Programmes +

The 20th meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the 20th meeting of the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment under the Water Convention will be held as a joint meeting on 13–15 October 2025 in Geneva. It will start on Monday, 13 October at 3 p.m., and end on Wednesday, 15 October at 6 p.m. The meetings of the two Working Groups are held jointly to exploit synergies in the work of the two bodies. The main objectives of the joint meeting of the Working Groups will be to: Review implementation of the Water Convention programme of work programme for 2025-2027 Discuss progress in the Convention's global opening Discuss the implementation of decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties at its 10th session (Ljubljana, 23-25 October 2024). The meeting will include a thematic interactive session on prevention and mitigation of plastic pollution in transboundary basin management on Wednesday 15 October morning. Related Sites and Documents:  ...

The 20th meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the 20th meeting of the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment under the Water Convention will be held as a joint meeting on 13–15 October 2025 in Geneva. It will start on Monday, 13 October at 3 p.m., and end on Wednesday, 15 October at 6 p.m. The meetings of the two Working Groups are held jointly to exploit synergies in the work of the two bodies. The main objectives of the joint meeting of the Working Groups will be to: Review implementation of the Water Convention programme of work programme for 2025-2027 Discuss progress in the Convention's global opening Discuss the implementation of decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties at its 10th session (Ljubljana, 23-25 October 2024). The meeting will include a thematic interactive session on prevention and mitigation of plastic pollution in transboundary basin management on Wednesday 15 October morning. Watch the 3rd Session, 6th Joint...

The 20th meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the 20th meeting of the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment under the Water Convention will be held as a joint meeting on 13–15 October 2025 in Geneva. It will start on Monday, 13 October at 3 p.m., and end on Wednesday, 15 October at 6 p.m. The meetings of the two Working Groups are held jointly to exploit synergies in the work of the two bodies. The main objectives of the joint meeting of the Working Groups will be to: Review implementation of the Water Convention programme of work programme for 2025-2027 Discuss progress in the Convention's global opening Discuss the implementation of decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties at its 10th session (Ljubljana, 23-25 October 2024). The meeting will include a thematic interactive session on prevention and mitigation of plastic pollution in transboundary basin management on Wednesday 15 October morning. Related Sites and Documents:  Le...

   The Rome Water Dialogue session on "Impactful Water Solutions" will bring together FAO Members, partners and water experts to discuss impactful solutions on water resource management for resilient agriculture and food security. This session will cover various aspects of water management, such as water infrastructure and investment, water science and innovation, climate resilience, and water-disaster risk reduction. Watch WD01 - Rome Water Dialogue: Impactful water solutions! Agencies, Funds & Programmes

  Mountain water sources, including glaciers and snowmelt , are critical for global food security as they supply freshwater for irrigation to over 40% of the world's agricultural land, impacting billions of people downstream. However, climate variations threatens this supply through rapid glacier melt , which can lead to initial flooding followed by long-term water shortages, reduced crop yields, and increased food insecurity, especially for mountain communities. How mountains contribute to food security " Water towers of the world ":  Mountains store large amounts of water in glaciers and snowpack, slowly releasing it as a reliable source during warmer seasons and dry periods. Irrigation : This stored water feeds major river systems, providing irrigation for agriculture in both mountain valleys and downstream lowlands, supporting 40% of global irrigation. Supports agriculture: Reliable water access is crucial for crop production and livestock, with 70% of freshwater usa...

  disrupting the water cycle and thratening water supplies.

  Global land surface support diverse ecosystems and cultures.

  Securing mountain water involves both individual actions like filtering and treating water in the backcountry, and larger-scale efforts like protecting natural ecosystems and implementing sustainable water management policies. For hikers and campers, proper treatment is essential, as is maintaining distance from water sources to prevent contamination. On a larger scale, protecting forests and natural landscapes, improving infrastructure , and promoting international cooperation are crucial for long-term mountain water security.

  Mountains Glaciers store water as ice and snow , sustaining billions of people.

  Without them, water scarcity and natural hazards increase.

Mountains provide freshwater for 2 billion people around the world. Protecting these natural reservoirs is crucial for ensuring sustainable water access. The world's freshwater originates from precipitation (rain, snow, and mist), which is stored in three main types of reservoirs: glaciers and ice caps, groundwater, and surface water (lakes, rivers, and wetlands). The majority of freshwater is locked in ice caps , while groundwater is the largest readily available source, followed by surface water. The Three Sources of freshwater are Glaciers and ice caps : Over two-thirds of the world's freshwater is frozen in glaciers and ice caps, primarily in Antarctica and Greenland. Groundwater : Freshwater is stored underground in porous rock and soil in what are known as aquifers. It is the largest source of accessible freshwater and is often a more stable source than surface water, especially in arid climates. Surface water : This includes rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Whil...

The 20th meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the 20th meeting of the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment under the Water Convention will be held as a joint meeting on 13–15 October 2025 in Geneva. It will start on Monday, 13 October at 3 p.m., and end on Wednesday, 15 October at 6 p.m. The meetings of the two Working Groups are held jointly to exploit synergies in the work of the two bodies. The main objectives of the joint meeting of the Working Groups will be to: Review implementation of the Water Convention programme of work programme for 2025-2027 Discuss progress in the Convention's global opening Discuss the implementation of decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties at its 10th session (Ljubljana, 23-25 October 2024). The meeting will include a thematic interactive session on prevention and mitigation of plastic pollution in transboundary basin management on Wednesday 15 October morning. Related Sites and Documents:  L...