Follow a 
See our 
View our
Download the
8 July 2026
Shaping the strategy for subnational governments at the 11th World Water Forum 2027
Water security is not simply a technical challenge, it is a governance challenge.
That was ICLEI’s central message at the 2nd Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting for the 11th World Water Forum, in Jeddah, where our Deputy Secretary-General, Kobie Brand, contributed to two sessions of the Forum’s Political Process and our Global Water Coordinator, Anton Earle, engaged with partners from across the water community.
Local governments turn water policy into water security. Every day, cities and regions plan infrastructure, deliver essential services, protect ecosystems and respond to the growing impacts of climate change. Yet their voices remain underrepresented in many global water processes.
As co-lead of the Local and Regional Authorities Segment, ICLEI is working with partners to ensure that local and regional governments help shape the road to Riyadh 2027 and the development of the Riyadh Declaration of Local and Regional Authorities on Water. A key objective is to strengthen the role of local and regional governments across the Forum’s Political Process, ensuring their perspectives help inform ministerial, parliamentary and other political dialogues.
In Jeddah, ICLEI, with our co-convenors the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the World Water Council, launched the Local and Regional Authorities segment of the Political Process for the 11th World Water Forum 2027.
Kobie Brand highlighted the leadership already being shown by local and regional authorities in strengthening water resilience, and the need for multilevel governance, stronger urban–catchment connections, and accessible finance for cities.
Anton Earle outlined the next steps towards a Riyadh Declaration that reflects the priorities and commitments of local and regional authorities on water.
Discussions in Jeddah helped identify key priorities for the Riyadh Declaration, including:
- Enhancing integrated urban water management and planning.
- Ensuring direct access for local governments to climate and water finance.
- Accelerating nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration and watershed protection.
The true test of global water commitments is not what is agreed at international forums – rather, it is what is delivered afterwards. This was a core part of the discussion during a productive meeting between the ICLEI Deputy Secretary-General and the Deputy Minister of Water, Dr Abdulaziz Muhareb Al Shaibani (see photo on the right), where he affirmed the strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a lasting impact.
The road to Riyadh 2027 therefore starts now, through stronger partnerships, stronger multilevel governance, and a shared commitment to turning global ambition into local action. Local action is indispensable to global water security.
