14/02/2026
[Press Release] The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union at a Glance.
Water security is a strategic, development, peace, and climate issue.
Against the backdrop of statistics that show that 400 million people on the African continent lack water for their daily livelihood, and that over 800 million lack basic hygiene services, African Heads of State and Government will launch the African Union theme of the year “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”, when they begin their 39th Ordinary Session at the Africa Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on 14th February.
The 2026 theme is linked to Agenda 2063, the African Union’s 50-year development framework aimed at, among others, transformation, inclusive growth, poverty eradication, improved food security, and climate resilience. The theme underscores the critical role of water and sanitation, and acts as a springboard for broader socio-economic development and growth on the continent, in addressing urgent and strategic challenges.
The African Union recognizes that water is more than a sectoral thematic- it is a foundational input into economic development, and life itself. Water security is a strategic, development, peace, and climate issue. It is central to food security, health, climate adaptation and conflict prevention, and is a shared continental priority requiring regional cooperation and investment. Sustainable water management is essential for realizing all the seven aspirations of Agenda 2063.
“The theme of 2026, focusing on water and sanitation is of paramount importance. This vital resource for all our countries must be seen as a collective good to be preserved at all costs. In the light of the climate disruptions witnessed, its sparing use in all aspects of daily life is a major imperative need. This resource must be a catalyst for bringing our states closer and for peace”, said the African Union
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