New York, 7 July 2026

Mr. President, 

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is essential for the full enjoyment of the right to life. Yet billions of people still lack access to safe, reliable water and sanitation. This inequality is not just a development challenge, but a profound injustice that violates human dignity and stifles integral human development. These disparities are not only a failure to achieve SDG6, but also a lack of commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of life. 

Water is neither a commodity, nor an economic resource to be exploited. Rather it is a common good and a shared gift entrusted to the entire human family. It is therefore essential that it is governed in terms of equity, solidarity, and the universal destination of goods for present and future generations.  

This requires renewed urgency and scaling up support for developing countries, particularly those in special situations, by providing increased financial resources, technology transfer and capacity building. At the same time, efforts must be guided by a vision of water as a shared good of humanity and must “resist the commodification of basic human needs.”[1]

However, achieving SDG6 requires more than just technical solutions. It necessitates a profound cultural and ethical transformation. In this regard, education and awareness-raising programmes that foster responsible stewardship are fundamental. Individuals, families and communities should be encouraged to recognise the value of water, to avoid waste, and to adopt sustainable consumption patterns. 

This approach calls for a renewed sense of responsibility at all levels: personal, local, national and international. It also encourages policies that prioritise the wellbeing of the poor and the needy, ensuring that everyone has access to this common good. The upcoming 2026 Water Conference offers a timely opportunity to advance these efforts. 

Mr. President, 

Safeguarding water means safeguarding life itself. Recognising water as a common good means moving beyond narrow interests and to act in a spirit of solidarity and justice, for the benefit of current and future generations. 

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[1] Pope Leo XIV, Address to the Executive Board of the United Nations World Food Programme, 22 June 2026.