This side event will feature the role of various actors to address drought proactively, across sectors and scales, putting a spotlight on options that are integrated and inclusive. The role of empower-ing vulnerable populations in reducing vulnerability, enhancing resilience and disaster risk reduction will be emphasized. Through a talk-show format, participants will make sense of the multi-faceted nature and interconnected approaches as well as the need for coordination, communication, and cooperation among countries, or-ganisations, and platforms to accelerate the implementation of the water action agenda. The role of comprehensive proactive policies to identify solutions, minimizing cross-sectoral trade-offs and harnessing synergies will be highlighted. Starting at 2PM, the event will be broadcast live on UN Web TV.