UN Climate Meeting in Bonn Highlights Water Security Ahead of COP31

The 64th session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body (SB64) convened in Bonn, Germany, gathering roughly 7,000 participants from governments, business, and civil society to advance implementation of climate commitments and prepare for COP31 in Turkey. Delegates discussed targets such as boosting global wind and solar electricity to 35% and improving building energy efficiency.

A side event organised by the India Water Foundation with CICERO and the AKO Foundation hosted a high‑level policy dialogue on cross‑sector partnerships for water security. Speakers included India’s Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, and leaders from the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet and the Environmental Defense Fund. The dialogue urged integrated governance of the water cycle, stronger science‑policy links, innovative financing and the development of “water credits” to reward conservation, framing water as the “operating system of climate resilience.” Participants called for greater international cooperation and investment in water‑focused climate adaptation.

The meeting underscored the linkage between water management and broader climate goals as parties shape their nationally determined contributions and adaptation plans ahead of the 2026 COP31 summit in Turkey.