Making Water Management Key in the Fight Against Climate Change

The 35th World Water Week, underway in Stockholm from 24–28 August, is focusing on the vital connection between water and climate under the theme “Water for Climate Action.” Safe and reliable water is essential not only for basic human survival but also for socio-economic development, energy and food production, and healthy ecosystems. In a warming world, water access is central to adaptation and resilience efforts.

Progress in Landlocked Developing Countries

Improved water access is creating new opportunities in some of the world’s most remote regions, particularly landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). On Wednesday, UN-Water, the UN body coordinating water and sanitation efforts, will bring together LLDCs that have made significant progress toward sustainable water management and sanitation, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The session will allow other LLDCs to learn from Bhutan, Rwanda, and Saudi Arabia, which have demonstrated success in providing safe drinking water and effective water management practices.

Driving Innovative Financing

The lack of safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services continues to undermine well-being and opportunities, particularly for women and girls. Contaminated water and poor sanitation also hinder efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and control disease outbreaks.

On Thursday, UN-Water and partners will convene donors and collaborators to address financing gaps in water and sanitation. Discussions will focus on innovative funding models and partnerships to expand universal access to safe water.