Water security is emerging as one of the defining challenges of the coming decade — shaping public health, food systems, climate resilience, economic growth, and social stability. Despite growing urgency, progress remains uneven, financing gaps persist, and governance of water resources is often fragmented across sectors and borders. This session looks ahead to the 2026 UN Water Conference as a critical moment to accelerate global action. Bringing together perspectives from government, multilateral institutions, global business, and philanthropy, the discussion will explore what must change between now and 2026 to move from commitments to measurable outcomes. The conversation will focus on how political leadership, economic coordination, and innovative financing can elevate water from a sectoral issue to a core development and resilience priority — particularly for vulnerable communities and future generations.