The increased frequency and severity of droughts across Europe, the Arab region and the Horn of Africa illustrate that climate and water are inextricably linked. This World Water Week, we must consider how to mainstream water into climate policy in the run-up to COP27. To reflect on this crucial moment, the Knowledge, Evidence and Learning for Development (K4D) programme partnered with Chatham House to bring water experts Carol Chouchani Cherfane and Sareen Malik together to discuss the challenges and opportunities.