On Wednesday, December 3, 2024, the Fifth Meeting of the Regional Expert Group on Water Resources in Latin America and the Caribbean was held, organized by the Natural Resources Division of ECLAC. This event brought together representatives from leading institutions in the water sector to discuss achievements made throughout the year, plan future activities, and promote regional collaboration in the sustainable management of water resources.

The meeting was chaired and moderated by Dr. Silvia L. Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer in charge of Water Affairs at ECLAC, and included representatives from more than 20 institutions and international organizations, including ADERASA/SUNASS, AIDIS, IDB, CAF, CAN, CEREGAS, CODIA, FAO, FAORLC, IFAD, GWP, IUCN, OAS, WMO, OTCA, PAHO/WHO, UNDP, SICA/CCAD, UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank, UNECE, FOCARD, IICA, UNEP, and the Valuing Water Initiative. The diversity of institutions present reflected a strong collective commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.

During the meeting, an analysis of the key achievements of 2024 was conducted, highlighting progress in drinking water access projects, research on the impact of climate change on water resources, and the implementation of innovative technologies for efficient water management. Collaborative initiatives involving synergies between multiple regional and international stakeholders were also discussed.

The agenda included discussions on planned activities for 2025, focusing on strengthening strategic partnerships, organizing training sessions to enhance technical capacities, and promoting regional events such as the Regional Water Dialogues. Opportunities to maximize collaboration among the participating institutions were also explored, with initiatives like ROSA (Water Sustainability Network and Observatory) and other water resource monitoring and conservation projects taking center stage.

An open discussion segment allowed participants to share experiences and proposals on funding sustainable water projects, water source conservation, water governance, and other priority areas. This exchange enabled attendees to identify potential synergies and collaborative opportunities among the represented institutions.

The Fifth Meeting concluded with agreements to reinforce cooperation in 2025, emphasizing the need for coordinated and sustainable actions to address the water-related challenges facing the region. The event reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration to ensure sustainable and equitable water resource management, contributing to the well-being of communities and environmental sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean.