GFFA 2026: Strengthening water governance and sustainable irrigation for resilient agri-food systems

In January 2026, water will be high on the global political agenda. At the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin, Welthungerhilfe will contribute to this debate with two expert events addressing water governance and sustainable irrigation as key pillars of resilient agri-food systems.

From fragmentation to action: strengthening water governance for resilient agri-food systems

On January 15th, 2026, Welthungerhilfe, German WASH Network and WaterAid present an expert panel titled "From fragmentation to action: strengthening water governance for resilient agri-food systems".

The panel sheds light on the central role of water for agriculture, food security, climate resilience and ecosystem protection, while highlighting the challenges posed by fragmented international water governance.

Agriculture accounts for around 72% of global freshwater withdrawals and is both highly vulnerable to climate-induced water scarcity and a major driver of water stress. Along with climate change, population growth, pollution and unsustainable water use are intensifying competition over water resources. Addressing these challenges requires stronger and more integrated governance to safeguard the human rights to water, sanitation and food. Water policies need better alignment with food systems, climate action, public health and ecosystem protection. For without improved coordination and accountability, progress towards SDG 6 and related goals will remain out of reach.

The discussion will focus on how strengthened water governance can support resilient agri-food systems across different policy and implementation levels. Recent international developments – including the UN Water Conference 2023, the appointment of the UN Special Envoy for Water, the UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation and the upcoming UN Water Conference 2026 – provide new opportunities for more coherent, cross-sectoral action.

The panel will explore solutions at global, cross-sectoral and national levels, bringing together policy perspectives, partnerships and practical examples. The aim is to develop concrete recommendations on how effective water governance across these levels can contribute to sustainable water management, resilient food systems and the realization of human rights to water, sanitation and food.

Panelists:

• Miriam Haritz, German Water Director, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN)
• Johannes Cullmann, Federal Institute of Hydrology (Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde, BfG) & United Nations University-FLORES
• Kathrin Demmler, Lead Technical Specialist, Knowledge Leadership, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
• Mathias Mogge, Secretary General, Welthungerhilfe (WHH)
• Anjani Kapoor, Head of Policy, Accountability and Results, Sanitation and Water for All – a UNICEF-hosted partnership (SWA)
• Hannah Neumeyer, Germany Representative, WaterAid (WA)

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Sustainable irrigation: a nexus approach linking water, energy, food and ecosystems

Building on the governance debate, a second GFFA event will focus on implementation challenges and solutions in agricultural water use. On January 16th, 2026, Welthungerhilfe will participate in the panel "Sustainable irrigation: a water–energy–food–environment nexus approach", hosted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The panel will discuss how nexus-based approaches can enhance sustainability and equity in small-scale irrigation systems, which are becoming increasingly important for food security and climate adaptation. Drawing on examples from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, the discussion will highlight investments, technologies and institutional frameworks needed to scale up sustainable irrigation.

Panelists:

• Bettina Iseli, Chief Programme Officer, Welthungerhilfe
• Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Fisheries, European Commission
• Mohsin Hafeez, Strategic Program Director (Water, Food and Ecosystems), International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• Ramon Brentführer, Project Manager, Policy Advice Groundwater, German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)
• Katrin Rudolf, Portfolio Manager, KfW
• Claudia Ringler, Unit Director for Natural Resources and Resilience, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

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With these two events, Welthungerhilfe contributes to positioning water governance and sustainable irrigation at the heart of global agri-food policy discussions at GFFA 2026 – and to building momentum towards the UN Water Conference later in the year.