At this critical midpoint in the KM-GBF, the Global Report emphasizes a concerning gap in investments and ambition to conserve inland waters. At the same time, the first four years of implementation have been nothing short of inspirational. Countries, communities and partners have emerged to make unprecedented commitments and innovations in how to protect, restore and track progress for conservation of rivers, lakes, peatlands and other wetlands. This event will spotlight those pathways through an interactive dialogue led by governments, Indigenous and local community leaders, financiers and civil society partners.  The discussion will center on common challenges raised in the Global Report and consolidate experience-based solutions for implementation and monitoring of inland water ecosystems. Solutions span scales and mechanisms. From country-scale NBSAP targets to local river reserves, from transboundary swimway corridors to cultural watershed designations, from national innovative finance mechanisms to international monitoring approaches, the session will elevate tangible successes and resources into the sights of the global community to raise the 2030 ambition and accelerate implementation. There is no better time to elevate political will, resources and accountability for inland water conservation. Freshwater species populations have declined by 85% and one quarter of all freshwater fauna are threatened with extinction.  At the same time, seventy-five percent of the world’s human populations live in water-stressed areas and 30% of our global food resources depend on rivers. Achievement of our 2050 goals for nature and people depend on today’s investments in inland waters.