The African Development Bank (AfDB) hosted an Africa Day high‑level side event at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The event, held in Antalya, Turkey, focused on the continent’s water security and its role in achieving climate resilience.
AfDB’s theme for the day was “Securing Africa’s Water: Unlocking the Continent’s Climate Resilience Goals.” The high‑level segment ran from 14:00 to 16:30 on Thursday 12 November 2026 in the Africa Pavilion, while a ministerial segment took place on Saturday 14 November 2026 in Side Event Room 4 of the Blue Zone, from 13:15 to 14:45.
Participants at the high‑level session included senior officials from African governments, international partners and civil society organisations. The ministerial session featured Åik Veysel, who highlighted the need for coordinated investment in water infrastructure across the continent.
AfDB’s event was part of a broader programme of African‑led initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. By concentrating on water security, the bank underscored the critical link between reliable water supplies and the achievement of broader climate resilience targets.
As COP31 gathered delegates from around the world, the Africa Day side event drew attention to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities in the fight against climate change, reinforcing the message that sustainable water management is essential for Africa’s future prosperity.
<small>Source: AllAfrica — read the original story there.</small>
