This 60-minute session opens with a 15-minute keynote, followed by in-depth dialogue taking place at 50 roundtables. Guided by a shared question or assignment, participants will exchange perspectives and jointly explore concrete next steps to strengthen the efforts.

Climate change is reshaping our planet, and water is at the heart of both the crisis and the solution. Rising sea levels, recently shown to be underestimated in coastal regions (Minderhout et al., Nature, 4 March 2026), demand urgent action. How can water management become the accelerator for climate adaptation, from local communities to entire delta regions? This session explores how to turn adaptation expertise into global impact, ensuring resilience for the most vulnerable.

Sub-themes:

• Sea-level rise and beyond: The latest science (Minderhout 2026) reveals that coastal areas face higher risks than previously thought. How can we integrate these findings into adaptation strategies? What does this mean for infrastructure, financing, and community planning?
• Local knowledge as a catalyst: Share examples where community-led water solutions have outperformed top-down approaches. How do we ensure these voices are heard in policy and investment decisions?
• Finance for the long haul: Climate adaptation requires “patient capital.” How can we restructure funding to prioritise long-term resilience over short-term gains? What role can public-private partnerships play in scaling up solutions?

Outcome: each table will identify at least one bold action to pitch at the UN Water Conference 2026.