New york: The Angolan authorities have once again emphasized the need for increased concessional financing and Official Development Assistance (ODA) to bolster water and sanitation initiatives, especially in African nations, to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
According to Angola Press News Agency, the appeal was made by Ambassador Francisco Jos© da Cruz, Angola's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during an informal UN General Assembly meeting focused on SDG 6: Drinking Water and Sanitation for All. This meeting was part of the preparatory activities for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Ambassador da Cruz highlighted that Angola's National Development Plan 2023-2027 sets clear and measurable targets to systematically monitor progress towards long-term goals centered around environmental protection, sustainable water resource management, and the enhancement of basic sanitation in rural and peri-urban areas.
Ambassador Francisco Jos© da Cruz further explained that the Plan underscores the significance of water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. These initiatives represent Angola's substantial commitment to sustainable natural resource management, universal access to drinking water via the "Water for All" initiative, improved sanitation, and enhanced environmental quality. Additionally, these efforts aim to bolster Angola's resilience against climate change challenges.
In addressing climate change, Angola is adopting an integrated approach to water resource management. Key projects, like the Cafu Canal, involve capturing and transferring water from the Cunene River to multiple cities through a 160 km pipeline, benefiting 235,000 residents and irrigating 5,000 hectares of agricultural land. The Angolan government's initiatives also support gender equality and youth empowerment through active female participation in water management and training programs for young people in water infrastructure maintenance.
Ambassador da Cruz reaffirmed Angola's dedication to the African Union Agenda 2063, encompassing the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and collaboration in managing transboundary river basins. He also emphasized the International Decade of Action "Water for Sustainable Development" (2018-2028). Addressing the 2030 Agenda, he urged for a renewed global commitment to increased investment, innovation, and political will, grounded in multilateralism and international solidarity principles.
In his concluding remarks, the ambassador highlighted the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, as a pivotal opportunity to galvanize global efforts towards a more secure and resilient future in terms of water access for all.