Rome Water Dialogue: impactful solutions for water management in achieving food security

Water is essential for achieving zero hunger and ensuring global food security. Agriculture accounts for over 70% of freshwater withdrawals, making water management in agriculture central to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The annual Rome Water Dialogue provides a platform to advance cross-country and cross-sectoral collaboration on Integrated Water Resources Management, particularly by bringing together the water and agricultural sectors for concerted action.

The 4th edition of the Rome Water Dialogue 2025, entitled “Water for resilient agriculture and food security: the past, present and future” will take place during the World Food Forum at FAO Headquarters in Rome from 13-17 October 2025. Organized by FAO’s Land and Water Management Division, this year's Dialogue will feature progress on the WASAG (Water Scarcity in Agriculture) initiative. 

What makes this edition stand out is the shift from awareness to action. It is no longer just about highlighting the vital link between water and agriculture, but about advancing solutions that truly make a difference for sustainable water management and food security.

Programme highlights:

🔹Impactful water solutions – 14 October

🔹High-level segment – 15 October

🔹Rome Water Dialogue at the Global Youth Action Forum – 16 October

🔹The role of Indigenous Peoples’ water governance for food security– 16 October

🔹Innovations in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries for integrated water resources management – 16 October

🔹Exhibit on water – 13–17 October

Explore the full programme and register on the event page: link

In case of questions you can contact Martijn van Staveren, Netherlands Water Partnership, who will participate in support of the Saline Water & Food Systems partnership.