This meeting aims to follow-up on the voluntary commitments to the Water Action Agenda.

Roundtable composed of representatives of the group of governments and agencies participating in the Rivers at Heart: Water Pollution and Social Inclusion in Mexico event at the UN Water Conference on March 22, 2023. As well as new guests seeking to join this agenda.

Representatives of the Dutch Water Sector, as well as representatives of other local governments, will be invited to participate as part of the event’s audience.

Health and environmental effects caused by river pollution in Mexico are alarming. Rivers have become a place of social vulnerability, hampering social and economic wellbeing. Especially to women that need to fetch water from higher lands.

River pollution is a common issue faced by the majority of Mexican States. The Lerma- Santiago basin, one of the longest water streams, running from the Pacific Ocean to the surroundings of Mexico City, is the most productive and industrialized water basin, but the most polluted in Mexico.

Rio Atoyac, in central Mexico, is hit by industrial pollution derived from the decentralization of manufacturing from Mexico City and agricultural activities.

Water scarcity has become primordial in the State of Nuevo Leon. The Rio Santa Catarina is an important water supply asset for the city of Monterrey. However, the amount of waste discharged into the river has severely affected the river flow and is no longer a source of safe drinking water supply and has become a place of social vulnerability.

By putting rivers at the center, this event hosted by Mexico’s federal government and with the participation of 5 Mexican Sates and civil society, will set the scenery to inspire dialogue to shape commitments to the Water Action Agenda.