From May 27 to 28, 2025, the International Secretariat for Water (ISW) participated in the Latin American and Caribeean Water Summit, alongside the Peruvian and Latin American and Caribbean governments to elaborate a Roadmap for Water binding and uniting the efforts of the region in a Water Agenda for the future, representing a decisive step towards more inclusive and concerted water governance.
Hosted in Lima and presided over by Peru’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Juan CASTRO, the summit was organized under the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean Presidency, with the support from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, and supported by the Inter American Development Bank.
Over two days, 34 countries represented by ministers, vice-ministers, and diplomatic delegations participated in debates and negotiations. These efforts culminated in the adoption of a Road Map, with a strong basin-oriented approach and some keys priorities:
- Water information
- Water tools
- People’s participation
- Strengthening national capacities
- Sustainable interventions
- Private participations
- Experiences exchanges
Although aspects such as the roles of civil society, youth, women and indigenous peoples were discussed and their importance acknowledged, some countries preferred to address these actors in relation to specific targets. A similar approach was taken with issues concerning transboundary waters, which some government representatives believed required dedicated discussions and a tailored understanding.
A parallel Business Summit bringing together entrepreneurs and civil society organizations was held.
ISW also moderated the Round Table “Vision of LAC towards the UN conference 2026” with the presence of the Minister of the Environment, beautification, blue and green economy of Barbados, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, the Minister of Environment of Chile and H.E. Ambassador of United Arab Emirates.
H.E. Ibrahim Al Alawi, Ambassador of United Arab Emirates and special envoy for the LAC Water Summit received the Latin American and the Caribbean Water Road Map from the hands of the Minister of Environment of Peru, Dr Juan Carlos CASTRO. The Road Map shall be included as a regional proposal for the Water Agenda that will be discussed at the UN 2026 Water Conferenceto be held in December 2026, co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.
This high-level event created a strategic space to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on sustainable water management, with a focus on reducing vulnerability to water extremes and protecting the environmental integrity of water. Innovative solutions integrating environmental, social, economic and technological dimensions were at the heart of the discussions.
Ahead of the Summit, representatives of Youth for Water, supported by the International Secretariat for Water, had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister of Peru, H.E Dr. Eduardo ARANA, to share youth-led proposals to strengthen inclusive and forward-looking water governance across the LAC region a powerful moment of intergenerational dialogue.
The International Secretariat for Water remains committed to fully mobilize and support regional players and different stakeholders to drive systemic change for a fair, sustainable and participatory water governance towards the UN 2026 Water Summit.