From Observation to Cooperation: Space-Based Information for Transboundary Water Governance
Side event at the 2026 United Nations Water Conference
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | 8–10 December 2026
About the event
Effective transboundary water cooperation depends on access to timely, trusted and comparable information. Earth observation and other space-based capabilities can complement national monitoring systems and in-situ measurements by providing consistent information across river basins and helping build a shared understanding of changing water conditions.
The side event “From Observation to Cooperation: Space-Based Information for Transboundary Water Governance” will bring together representatives of the water, space and policy communities to explore how space-derived information can support evidence-based decision-making, shared situational awareness and cooperative water governance. It will also consider the institutional and practical conditions needed to integrate such information effectively into existing monitoring, planning and decision-making processes.
Practical experiences, including insights from the GEF-funded Central Asia Water and Land Nexus Programme (CAWLN), will illustrate how shared Earth observation capabilities can support multiple institutions, sectors and applications - from basin monitoring and transboundary analysis to agricultural water management, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and national planning. Such approaches can provide a common foundation on which governments, international organizations, technical partners and the private sector can build complementary applications and services.
The discussion will also consider how shared space-based capabilities can help reduce fragmentation and duplication, make better use of existing investments and provide a scalable foundation for new applications, partnerships and cooperation.
The event contributes to the broader work of UNOOSA’s Space4Water initiative, which facilitates exchange between the space and water communities on the use of space-based technologies, data and applications for water-related challenges.
Key themes
- Trusted and comparable information for transboundary water governance: strengthening the evidence base for cooperation across shared river basins.
- Earth observation as a complement to national monitoring: using space-derived information alongside in-situ measurements and existing monitoring systems.
- Shared EO infrastructure for multiple users and applications: enabling different agencies and sectors to draw on common data, analytical capabilities and methodologies while developing solutions for their specific needs.
- From data to shared understanding and decision-making: translating observations into information that can support planning, dialogue and cooperative action.
- Making space-based information operational: addressing institutional, technical and capacity needs, including data access, methodologies, standards, national ownership and partnerships.
Programme and speakers
The session will combine policy perspectives, practical experiences and moderated discussion involving representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, water authorities and river basin organizations, the space community, private-sector and technical partners, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.
The detailed programme and confirmed speakers will be published on this page as preparations progress.
Contact
For questions concerning this side event, please contact:
office@space4water.org
