Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 On Water Diplomacy

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A Nigerian-led Pan-African delegation has called on the African Union and the United Nations to stop politicising water and prioritise tangible solutions like borehole drilling, during the 12th session of the UN Economic Commission for Africa’s Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Addis Ababa.

The Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, led by Dr. Stephen Ben-Joel focused on job creation and economic growth through science-based solutions.

Dr. Ben-Joel steered the conversation back to basics: water, reminding delegates that the human body is over 70 percent water, he stressed that access to clean water is a humanitarian priority, not a political bargaining chip.

The mission has already moved beyond advocacy. It is now funding borehole drilling and water treatment projects across African communities, with new water projects set to launch during Africa Day celebrations in Abuja this May.

The delegation appealed to the African Union for institutional openness, urging to work with organisations that demonstrate real field impact, not those skilled at writing grant proposals.

He noted that the groups participation shows their commitment towards Africa’s transformation.