Water in COP processes and future climate action through the Baku water declaration

Although water plays a critical role in shaping climate risks and strengthening resilience, it has historically received limited attention in core discussions at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences of the Parties. Often addressed through adaptation, side events, or sectoral initiatives, water has rarely been treated as a distinct climate governance priority. Using document analysis, this paper examines the positioning of water in COP processes and identifies the COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action and the Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action as an agenda-setting milestone. The Dialogue raises the visibility of water within climate action by linking water-related risks to adaptation, resilience planning, and cross-sectoral cooperation. The paper argues that sustained commitment, policy integration, and institutional coordination are needed to strengthen the implementation potential of water-centred climate strategies.