Limited trust and data-sharing among riparian states, weak inclusive governance, gaps in scientific collaboration, competing water demands, and climate-induced stress. Strengthening transboundary cooperation, joint monitoring, and equitable frameworks should be prioritized.

We promote transboundary cooperation through joint data-sharing platforms, scientific research partnerships, & inclusive governance frameworks. By engaging governments, local communities, and experts, we strengthen water diplomacy, SDG 6, build resilient, equitable water management across borders.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) exemplifies successful transboundary cooperation. Facilitated by the World Bank, it established the Permanent Indus Commission for data-sharing, dispute resolution, and technical collaboration. Governments, experts, and local stakeholders jointly manage shared waters, ensuring irrigation, hydropower, and sustainable water use, advancing SDG 6.

By 2030, governments and riparian states, supported by international organizations and scientific experts, must establish inclusive, data-driven transboundary water governance frameworks. This will enhance trust, enable joint planning, strengthen cooperation, and accelerate SDG 6 while promoting equitable and sustainable water management.

Clean Climate and Environment Campaign Initiative

World Vision's Pledge to Accelerate Progress for SDG 6: World Vision has committed $2 billion over 10 years to extend the impact of its WASH work across 50 countries, targeting 30 million people with safer water and sanitation services. This initiative emphasizes community engagement, capacity building, and partnerships with local governments and organizations.

- Developing adaptive governance structures:
- Fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration:
- Promoting digital hydrodiplomacy: Utilizing satellite imagery, blockchain, and AI-based prediction tools to enhance transparency and cooperation.
- Strengthening legal frameworks:

Municipal Services Project & Public Banking Project

As per the 2025 Sevilla Commitment, task the world's public development banks to work as a system to tackle sustainable development, notably SDG6.

Public banks/public water collaborations in Europe and in the Global South.

As per the 2025 Sevilla Commitment, task the world's public development banks to work as a system to tackle sustainable development, notably SDG6.

Human Photosynthesis(TM) Research Center

The basic problem is low or very low levels of dissolved oxygen in water, worldwide, and the solution is to take concrete actions to raise them in water around the world.

Restoring dissolved oxygen levels in water bodies around the world had not been considered, let alone carried out, because we were not aware of the fundamental importance of such levels for human and animal health, as well as their benefits for the environment.

A material (QBLOCK)® already existing on the market, which was developed based on the biology of the human eye, and with which it is possible to raise the levels of dissolved oxygen in salt, drinking, or wastewater, without wasting electricity, is an option that did not exist 20 years ago.

A truly transformative action on the serious water problem is to prioritize the restoration of dissolved oxygen levels in water across the planet. The positive effects on marine and terrestrial life, and the environment in general are going to be more important than you think.

Groupement Agropastoral pour le développement de yongoro

Le renforcement des capacités techniques et institutionnelles des ministères et des communautés locales pour mener à bien des évaluations des risques climatiques,
-Dans le domaine de la conception et la mise en en œuvre des infrastructures WASH résilientes au climat, de la protection de l’environnement de la biodiversité et de la gestion durable des ressources naturelles

Le renforcement des capacités techniques et institutionnelles des ministères et des communautés locales pour mener à bien des évaluations des risques climatiques,
-Dans le domaine de la conception et la mise en en œuvre des infrastructures WASH résilientes au climat, de la protection de l’environnement de la biodiversité et de la gestion durable des ressources naturelles

Rising geopolitical tensions, climate-induced migration, and distrust between riparian states hinder transboundary cooperation. Since 2023, gaps in data sharing, inclusive governance, and dispute resolution mechanisms have intensified water conflicts and slowed progress on SDG 6.5.2.

We use Smartsettle Infinity to facilitate trust-building and optimized consensus in transboundary water negotiations. It enables inclusive, science-informed dialogue among diverse stakeholders, supporting SDG 6.5.2 through transparent decision-making and equitable benefit sharing across borders.

The Gaza Marshall Plan Simulation uses Smartsettle Infinity to explore inclusive, trust-building negotiation among conflicting parties over water and humanitarian access. Led by Smartsettle with peacebuilders and civil society, it demonstrates how optimized consensus tools can support SDG 6.5.2 through science-based cooperation in fragile settings.

River basin organizations and multilateral institutions must mainstream digital consensus-building tools like Smartsettle Infinity into transboundary governance. This will enable evidence-based, inclusive, and trust-enhancing cooperation—transforming conflict-prone basins into platforms for peace and shared progress toward SDG 6.5.2.

Bad Capitalism, where sustainability of pillars are not in balance but economic always overshadow other goals

More cultural exchange between countries, creations of bonds and relationships to agree on contested/ conflicting goals

More cooperation and activities between countries disputing water. No contact less empathy. Human are inherently kind.

A hub that is dedicated to nurture countries relationships not with formal meetings but when they eat and walk and talk together

Kenya National Association of Water Resources Users'Association (KeNAWRUA)

Key challenges include outdated bilateral agreements, geopolitics, weak transboundary governance, inequitable benefit-sharing, limited community participation, underfunded scientific cooperation, and data gaps. Inclusive governance and shared accountability are vital for SDG 6.

KeNAWRUA promotes inclusive water diplomacy by empowering WRUAs in cross-boundary catchments and leading campaigns like the transboundary Journey of Water for Rivers to build trust, enhance peace, accountability, and cooperation for SDG 6.

Through the Transboundary Journey of Water for Rivers Campaign, KeNAWRUA, Ministry of Water for both Kenya and Tanzania, the WRUAs, and civil society built cross-border awareness, mobilized 3,000+ participants, and advanced citizen science for shared water data. This approach fostered trust, inclusive governance, and joint action on transboundary river restoration.

By 2030, governments and regional bodies must modernize outdated bilateral agreements and institutionalize community participation.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Post-2023, rising geopolitical tensions, climate-driven water stress, and weak data-sharing undermine transboundary trust. Limited financing, fragmented governance, and exclusion of local/indigenous voices hinder inclusive cooperation—slowing progress on SDG6 and peacebuilding.

We foster UK–Pakistan–Japan–KSA consortia linking academia, industry & policy to co-develop circular water-energy pilots (Solar2Water, SAFECONOMY). By sharing data, training youth/women, and aligning governance with science, we strengthen trust, transboundary learning, and SDG6 cooperation.

UK–Pakistan SAFECONOMY partnership (FCDO-funded) unites universities, industry & NGOs to deploy circular wastewater reuse in textiles. Pilots at Sapphire Mills cut effluent by 70%, advancing SDG6. Collaborative leadership, gender-inclusive training, and policy engagement show how science–industry–community cooperation accelerates impact.

By 2030, UN and regional bodies must establish legally binding frameworks for transboundary water cooperation backed by shared data platforms, inclusive governance, and climate finance. This will build trust, prevent conflict, and accelerate SDG6 while fostering peace and resilient regional economies.

Fragilidade na cooperação transfronteiriça, ausência de dados compartilhados, desigualdades de poder entre países e baixa integração de ciência, políticas e comunidades enfraquecem a governança da água.

Plataformas colaborativas de ciência cidadã, acordos transfronteiriços vinculantes, redes acadêmicas internacionais e mecanismos participativos de diplomacia da água.

A Série Retratos de Governanças das Águas no Brasil: iniciativa que produziu diagnósticos de desigualdades em comitês de bacia, gerando recomendações aplicadas e para fortalecer a participação de mulheres na governança.
Observatório de Governança da Água: desenvolveu um protocolo de monitoramento da gestão hídrica para sistematizar e difundir informações das práticas de governança das águas

Nações, organismos regionais e ONU devem criar pactos de cooperação hídrica transfronteiriça vinculantes, com dados compartilhados, monitoramento independente e participação inclusiva da sociedade civil.

The Volunteer Team Foundation for Humanitarian Action

Fragmented transboundary governance, lack of data-sharing, geopolitical tensions, weak scientific collaboration, and limited stakeholder inclusion hinder equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources.

Establish joint water commissions, promote open data and scientific collaboration, inclusive governance frameworks, conflict-sensitive agreements, and regional capacity-building to advance SDG 6 across borders

The “Nile Basin Knowledge Platform” unites riparian states, research institutes, and NGOs to share hydrological data and co-develop sustainable water management strategies, improving cooperation, reducing conflicts, and enhancing resilience for 200 million people

International bodies and riparian governments must institutionalize inclusive, science-based transboundary water governance, with binding agreements and collaborative monitoring, ensuring sustainable and equitable access to shared freshwater resources

Institute of Sustainability and Carbon Footprint LLC

Fragmented transboundary governance, limited data-sharing, geopolitical tensions, weak scientific collaboration, and insufficient stakeholder inclusion hinder equitable and sustainable water management across borders.

Establish joint water commissions, open data platforms, inclusive governance frameworks, conflict-sensitive agreements, and regional capacity-building programs to promote cooperation and advance SDG 6 implementation

“Nile Basin Knowledge Platform” united riparian states, research institutes, and NGOs, enhancing collaboration, data-sharing, and resilience for 200 million people. Coordinated leadership and shared monitoring fostered trust and actionable solutions.

Governments and international organizations must institutionalize science-based, inclusive transboundary water governance with binding agreements, ensuring equitable access, conflict prevention, and sustainable resource management across shared basins.

Business Innovation Research Dev

“Key challenges include politicization of transboundary waters, weak inclusive governance, inequitable access to data/technology, and rising climate-driven conflicts. Prioritize peacebuilding, joint monitoring, and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms.”

“Promote water as a peacebuilding tool by advancing joint data platforms, inclusive digital dialogue hubs, and human-centred innovations to strengthen cooperation, transparency, and equitable benefit-sharing across borde

“Advance peacebuilding through joint water innovation labs, shared financing for transboundary projects, and inclusive digital platforms that build trust, enable equitable technology transfer, and monitor SDG 6 progress across borders.”

By 2030, states and regional bodies must establish a Global Water Cooperation Pact that embeds peacebuilding, joint financing, and open data-sharing. This transformative action, led by the UN with civil society and innovators, would create trust, accelerate SDG 6, and ensure water drives inclusive security and resilience.”

Shree Someshwar Education Trust

Persistent data asymmetry and inadequate benefit-sharing mechanisms hinder transboundary trust, exacerbated by climate change altering basin hydrology and intensifying competition for scarce resources.
Geopolitical conflicts presents additional challenges. i.e Indus Water Treaty abeyance in 2025.

GRMP fosters cooperation by promoting decentralized self-reliance, reducing transboundary strain. We offer AI-powered water security planning as a neutral tool for shared basin assessment and collaborative governance.

The Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP) resolved Kawas Village's farmer-factory water conflict by implementing decentralized harvesting, creating a shared water surplus. This model, involving local trusts and fostering local self-reliance reduces competition and promotes Coperative coexistence. https://waterknowledgehub.org/case-study/india-nationwise-rainwater-management-program-nrwm-kavas

La ausencia de gobernanza sobre datos satelitales impide cooperación efectiva. Urge marcos regionales para compartir, validar y usar datos espaciales en gestión hídrica transfronteriza, con participación equitativa y acceso abierto para todos los actores.

Para 2030, debe consolidarse una red latinoamericana de ciencia aplicada al agua, con gobernanza compartida entre Estados, academia y comunidades. En 2026, la ONU debe promover mecanismos de interoperabilidad de datos satelitales y geodinámicos para decisiones hídricas transfronterizas basadas en evidencia.

Water not consider a priority or not valued as it should be. The issue of waiting to have issues before trying to planned better . Misplace priorities by some countries, hence cooperation simply paper formality but not pragmatic tools for development

Source to sea consideration with activities of one person having impacts on the other parties. We are currently writing a book "water hidden Cameroon goal yet undervalued" to serve as a policy advocacy tool as well as education tool for both stakeholders as well as community people.

Thinking globally while acting locally has been the watch word. We have community water management scheme of Bonandikombo Limbe, where water is catched, protected, treated and supply to community but management, operation and maintenance solely transfer to the community, after training and monitoring for sometimes. Currently working on community water development project for libialem

We need to identify all the transboundary waters both rivers, lakes ,and aquifers and plan the sustainability exploitation of these resources ahead of time. We need to educate the riverine communities on source to sea management as well as sustainable resource exploitation

Bilateral and multilateral cooperation for enhance management

Ogoni youth alliance for climate change and sustainable development

Key challenges include geopolitical tensions, unequal access to data and technology, lack of trust among nations, weak institutional frameworks, and limited inclusive participation. Addressing these issues is vital to foster effective transboundary cooperation and progress by UN Water Conference.

Our organization promotes data sharing platforms, fosters trust through diplomatic engagement, supports capacity building for inclusive governance, and encourages innovative water management technologies. These actions enhance transboundary cooperation and advance SDG 6 and related SDGs.

The Transboundary Waters Partnership fosters collaboration among governments, NGOs, and scientists through joint data sharing and joint management plans. This approach has improved water quality, strengthened trust, and accelerated progress on SDG 6. Leadership is shared, with stakeholders actively engaged in decision-making and innovative solutions.

By 2026, national governments must commit to establishing legally binding transboundary water agreements that promote inclusive governance, scientific collaboration, and equitable resource sharing. Leaders must prioritize political will and allocate resources to implement innovative, sustainable solutions, creating a foundation for accelerated progress towards SDG 6.

International Helping For The Young

Key challenges include growing geopolitical tensions over shared waters, lack of data sharing and joint monitoring, underrepresentation of marginalized groups in governance, and weak enforcement of transboundary agreements—issues exacerbated by climate impacts since the 2023 UN Water Conference.

We support basin-wide cooperation through data-sharing platforms, joint scientific research, and inclusive governance frameworks. Initiatives like Open Water Data and Women in Water Diplomacy promote transparency, equity, and collaboration to accelerate SDG 6 and related targets.

The Transboundary Water Cooperation Coalition, co-led by UNECE and UNESCO, unites over 40 partners to promote SDG 6.5.2 implementation. It has supported countries in joining the Water Convention, improved legal and institutional frameworks, and fostered data sharing and joint management through multi-stakeholder collaboration and capacity-building.

By 2030, all countries sharing transboundary waters should adopt and implement legal frameworks like the UN Water Convention. Led by governments with UN support, this action would ensure equitable, science-based, and inclusive water cooperation—crucial for peace, resilience, and achieving SDG 6.

Barokupot Ganochetona Foundation -BGF

“Key challenges include weak transboundary governance, limited data and scientific cooperation, inequitable resource sharing, lack of trust among riparian states, and insufficient inclusive stakeholder engagement—priorities for discussion at the 2026 UN Water Conference.”

“We facilitate transboundary data-sharing platforms, promote joint scientific research, engage riparian communities in participatory water governance, strengthen institutional coordination, and foster multi-stakeholder dialogue to advance SDG 6 and equitable, sustainable water cooperation.”

“Through the ‘Transboundary Water Data Exchange’ initiative, we partnered with riparian governments, research institutes, and community organizations to share real-time water data, co-develop scientific studies, and hold joint governance workshops, improving equitable water management and advancing SDG 6 outcomes.”

“Governments, together with scientific institutions and local stakeholders, must establish legally binding, inclusive transboundary water agreements, backed by joint data-sharing, participatory governance, and conflict-resolution mechanisms to ensure equitable, sustainable water management and accelerate SDG 6 by 2030.”

Making a transboundary financial mechanism for water protection enabling upstream-downstream connection has been a challenges for countries like Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Transboundary water management system- to link with financial incentives

Mahakali Treaty (1996): Focuses on the integrated development of the Mahakali River, including joint utilization of its water resources, with the Pancheshwar Dam project as a key component, though its implementation is delayed.
Koshi Agreement (1954): Governed the Kosi River project, including irrigation, flood control, and hydropower, with costs borne by India.

Establishment of transboundary PES mechanism linking with financial incentives.

Simon Fraser University, Pacific Water Research Centre

Key Challenges: 1. Inability of governments to visualize and quantify the benefits of cooperative management of transboundary water resources; 2. "Securitization" of water in transboundary river basins, using it as a negotiating lever; 3. Ineffective implementation of the Watercourses Conventions.

Solutions: 1. Developing integrated mechanisms for flood mitigation in the Indus Basin; 2. Engage in multi-dimensional dialogue around the renewal of the Columbia River Treaty between Canada and the United States.

International academic institutions to collaborate and develop a global water monitoring platform that can observe and share data in all transboundary river basins.

Rising water stress, weak data-sharing across borders, geopolitical tensions, and fragmented governance hinder cooperation. Gaps in inclusive participation of local communities and insufficient science-policy interfaces slow SDG 6 progress.

BlueToken fosters cooperation by linking fishers, NGOs & regulators across regions through blockchain-secured marine data and tokenized incentives, creating transparent cross-border datasets, inclusive governance, and shared accountability for SDG 6 & 14.

BlueToken Trace & Restore pilots in Greece show how tokenized incentives and blockchain-secured marine data unite fishers, NGOs, scientists & authorities. This inclusive model strengthens scientific cooperation, builds cross-border datasets, reduces IUU fishing, and demonstrates collaborative pathways to accelerate SDG 6 & 14.

Governments and regional bodies must mandate open, blockchain-secured water and ecosystem data platforms co-managed with local communities. This transformative step builds trust, strengthens transboundary scientific cooperation, and embeds inclusive governance as a foundation for SDG 6 progress.

CSIR - Water Research Institute

The main challenges affecting transnational corporation on water and related issues seem to stem from different perspectives on how to address this area. Most nations or nationals agree on the need to conserve water and water resources. However, difficulties arise regarding the extent of regulation.

The Water Research Institute collaborates with other national bodies such as the Water Resources Commission, Fisheries Commission and Environmental Protection Authority in addressing issues of environmental impact or water contamination across the length and breadth of Ghana.

The CSIR-Water Research Institute in fulfilling its mandate as an organization for conducting water and water-related research for sustainable development has partnered international bodies in projects such as driving Eco-Innovation in Africa: Capacity Building for a Safe Circular Water Economy (RECIRCULATE). This project focused on alternative/innovative technology in water treatment.

Consensus needs to be reached among nations as to the level of commitment and contribution required by individual countries regarding environmental safety. Again, the role of the U.N and other international agencies are important in bridging the disparity in commitment to courses such as this.

Appel au Cri de l'Enfant Africain

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Les défis majeurs de la coopération le domaine de l'eau: croissance démographiques et environnementales, le changement climatique, pollution et dégradation des écosystèmes, manque de coordination entre acteurs, faibles capacités de gouvernance, accès inéquitable à l'eau potable

les solutions tranversales et innovantes qui permettent de relever les défis liés à l'eau tout en favorisant la coopération: la gestion intégrée des ressources en eau, récupération des eaux de pluie, plate forme de coordination

Preuves concrètes pour favoriser la coopération: initiatives locales et régionales

mesure transformatrice essentielle pour surmonter les défis liés à l'eau: la mise en place de mécanismes de gouvernance inclusive et transfrontalière de l'eau en passant par: participation active des communauté locales, des femmes, des jeunes et des peuples autochtones dans la prise de décision, mécanismes de résolution pacifique des différents et harmonisations

Key challenges since 2023: rising water stress fueling cross-border tensions, lack of enforceable agreements, data gaps, and exclusion of vulnerable voices. Geopolitical conflicts hinder trust and cooperation, slowing progress on transboundary governance and SDG6.

Promote joint data platforms & scientific exchange on shared basins, foster inclusive governance that engages women & refugees, and advance regional cooperation models like Blue Peace to build trust, prevent conflict, and accelerate SDG6 across borders.

The Palestine–Jordan Shared Aquifer Cooperation engages water authorities, UN agencies & researchers in joint monitoring of groundwater quality and quantity. It built scientific exchange, informed equitable allocation, and strengthened trust—an inclusive model advancing SDG6 across borders.

By 2030, Middle East states must advance cooperative frameworks on shared rivers & aquifers (Jordan, Nile, Tigris–Euphrates, Gaza). With UN support, joint monitoring, equitable allocation & inclusive governance can transform water from a source of conflict into a driver of peace and SDG6 progress.

South Asia Young Women in Water (SAYWiW)

Geopolitical tensions, weak data-sharing, fragmented governance, and limited participation of women, youth, and Indigenous communities hinder transboundary cooperation. Emerging climate pressures and competing demands intensify disputes, making inclusive, science-based collaboration urgent for 2026.

We create safe platforms for young women water leaders across geopolitically sensitive regions to exchange knowledge, co-design research, and promote inclusive governance strengthening science-based cooperation and advancing SDG 6 and related SDGs through trust-building and shared solutions.

Through our various Water Dialogues series, we convene young women water leaders, researchers, and institutions across borders to exchange knowledge and co-create solutions. This innovative platform strengthens trust, advances science-based cooperation, and amplifies marginalized voices to accelerate SDG 6 implementation.

By 2030, governments, river-basin bodies, and multilateral institutions must institutionalize youth- and women-led cross-border water diplomacy platforms rooted in science-based data sharing and inclusive governance to build trust, connect rather than divide, and accelerate SDG 6 implementation.

A cross- boundary water treaty that nations must respect

Through the ‘Transboundary Water Dialogue Platform,’ governments, scientists, and local communities jointly managed shared river basins. By harmonizing data and coordinating water allocations, conflicts were reduced, water-use efficiency improved by 25%, and inclusive governance strengthened, advancing SDG 6.

Key challenges include rising geopolitical tensions over shared basins, unequal data access, weak legal frameworks, and limited trust among riparian states. Since 2023, climate shocks and conflicts have further strained transboundary cooperation and inclusive water governance.

We promote cross-border water cooperation by using shared geodata platforms, fostering joint research with regional institutions, and building community dialogues. These actions improve trust, data transparency, and inclusive governance, supporting SDG 6 and climate-resilient water management.

The West Africa Water Data Sharing Initiative united Ghana COCOBOD, local universities, and NGOs to create an open geodata platform for shared river basins. This approach improved transparency, informed cross-border planning, and built trust among stakeholders, demonstrating inclusive governance and scientific cooperation toward SDG 6.

By 2030, riparian governments, regional bodies, and multilateral banks must establish legally binding data-sharing and joint management frameworks for transboundary waters. Embedding scientific cooperation and inclusive governance will build trust, reduce conflicts, and accelerate SDG 6 implementation.

A critical challenge is "commitment fatigue" following the UN 2023 Water Conference. Water remains poorly integrated into the core of other key multilateral processes, such as the Global Stocktake under the UNFCCC or national reporting for the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).

As a youth leader for UNEP and UNESCO, I employ strategic advocacy. I author policy briefs (over 50) that explicitly link water to climate, biodiversity, and other SDGs, pushing for its integration in key multilateral processes.

Initiative: My role as Asia-Pacific Focal Point for the UNEP Children and Youth Major Group. This is a formal UN partnership where I lead the consolidation of youth voices from a diverse region. Result: Successfully influencing the text of UNEA resolutions to include water-related youth priorities. This is a proven model for mainstreaming grassroots concerns into high-level multilateral outcomes.

Transformative Action: The UN Secretary-General should issue a mandate requiring all UN Country Teams to include progress on water-related SDGs (beyond just SDG 6) as a standalone, mandatory component of their annual reporting for the HLPF. By Whom: The UN Secretary-General. This would elevate water from a sectoral issue to a core metric of sustainable development accountability.

Fragmented transboundary governance and lack of inclusive, science-based cooperation.

Support for bilateral/multilateral agreements, knowledge-sharing platforms, and inclusive governance models.

Denmark–India Green Strategic Partnership: Joint action plan, 9 water-related initiatives, model for global cooperation.

Institutionalize science-based, inclusive transboundary water governance, led by regional alliances.

Escola de Educação Infantil Crescendo Sempre V

Rising transboundary water conflicts, weak regional governance, limited data-sharing, unequal stakeholder participation, underfunded scientific collaboration and exclusion of youth and vulnerable communities - issues intensified since 2023 needing urgent, inclusive, cooperative solutions.

Resilient40 fosters youth-led transboundary dialogues, promotes data-sharing platforms under our participatory platforms, supports youth scientific collaboration across borders, integrates vulnerable voices in governance to track SDG 6 progress and enhance inclusive water cooperation.

Resilient40’s Transboundary Youth Water Dialogues engage young leaders across African river basins, co-led with local NGOs and regional water commissions. They have built cross-border networks, facilitated data-sharing, elevated vulnerable voices and informed policies, strengthening inclusive governance and SDG 6 implementation.

A transformative action is for regional governments, youth networks like Resilient40, and scientific institutions to establish legally binding transboundary water agreements that ensure inclusive governance, mandate data-sharing, and integrate youth and vulnerable groups, fostering cooperative, sustainable water management by 2030.

Fundación Mexicana René Mey associate civil

Key challenges include political tensions over shared water resources, lack of data-sharing frameworks, underfunded basin institutions, and limited inclusion of marginalized groups. Post-2023, climate impacts and growing water scarcity have intensified the need for cooperative governance.

We facilitate multi-country water data platforms, strengthen transboundary basin organizations, promote inclusive governance with local communities, and support joint scientific research to enhance trust and adaptive management—advancing SDG 6 and regional cooperation.

The Nile Basin Initiative exemplifies successful transboundary cooperation, bringing 10 countries together to share data, jointly manage water resources, and develop climate-resilient infrastructure. Led by riparian governments with support from international partners, it has improved water security and regional stability through inclusive governance and science-driven decision-making.

A transformative action is for governments and regional bodies to institutionalize transparent, legally binding water-sharing agreements supported by joint scientific monitoring and inclusive stakeholder engagement. This will build trust, enhance adaptive management, and accelerate SDG 6 progress, a priority for the 2026 UN Water Conference.

International Water Resources Association (IWRA)

More attention should be given to transboundary aquifer systems that are shared by 2 or more countries and that are more vulnerable as are not visible and are key to regional peace and development.

Most River basins commissions do not have enough knowledge and capacity to consider transboundary groundwater/aquifers in their strategy. Develop capacity on surface water and groundwater resources conjunctive management.

The monitoring undertaken since 2017 by UNESCO and UNECE of the SDG 6 indicator 6.5.2. on water cooperation has produced great results. 153 Countries that share at least one lake, one river or one aquifer have been able to contribute and improve their capacity. Crucial to secure the continuation of the monitoring of the SDG 6 indicator 6.5.2 on water cooperation after 2030

Crucial to secure the continuation of the monitoring of the SDG 6 indicator 6.5.2 on water cooperation after 2030

International cooperation is weakened by scattered efforts, limited access to information and data, and insufficient participation of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Structural barriers and governance gaps hinder collective, rights-based responses to shared water challenges.

AWC promotes inclusive and participatory governance by advancing information exchange, scientific cooperation, and equitable stakeholder engagement. These efforts build trust, strengthen solidarity, and support collective action towards SDG 6 and related goals.

Initiative: Asia International Water Week (AIWW). As Asia’s largest water platform, AIWW convenes governments, MDBs, parliaments, UN partners, and civil society. It provides space for knowledge-sharing, policy dialogue, and collaboration, resulting in strengthened partnerships and new project pipelines.

By 2030, governments and multilateral actors should embed open data access, joint monitoring, and inclusive governance frameworks that recognize diverse knowledge systems. Strengthening multistakeholder platforms will enhance equity, build trust, and accelerate collective progress on SDG 6.

UNIVERSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Fragmented data and standards; climate‑driven flow shifts outpacing treaties; limited downstream research capacity; exclusion of Indigenous voices; disjointed financing and weak enforcement. 2026 talks must prioritize harmonised science, inclusive governance and adaptive treaty design.

Launching regional "Water Diplomacy Hubs," integrating scientific data modeling with established legal frameworks. These hubs will standardize inclusive stakeholder engagement protocols, directly tracking progress on SDG 6.5.2 and fostering pragmatic, equitable transboundary cooperation.

Utilizes the Volta Basin Authority (VBA) Observation Network and Joint Planning Framework. This initiative, led by the Water Resources Commission (WRC), VBA, and supported by UNESCO-IHP, enhances transboundary data sharing and improves flood/drought forecasting. optimized Akosombo Dam operations and increased regional resilience. Inclusive governance and engages local farmers and NGOs

Government must launch decentralized Water Resilience Hubs, jointly led by researchers and traditional authorities. This action will institutionalize inclusive, science-fed governance for sustainable Volta Basin cooperation, ensuring predictive environmental data translates directly into community and transboundary decision-making by 2030. This model must be promoted at the 2026 Water conference

Geopolitics and siloed basin governance; inconsistent standards and data-sharing; weak science-to-policy uptake; limited, uneven financing and capacity for cross-border WASH, pollution control and flood/drought management; insufficient inclusion of communities/SMEs.

Indonesian Water Association convenes trilateral exchanges (ID–MY–KR), Water Engineer co-training, utility twinning, and pilots on NRW/reuse/catchments; co-issues policy briefs with DSDAN; promotes open data templates, joint monitoring and PPP/blended-finance clinics to track SDG-6.

Indonesian Water Association with Indonesia Water Resources Council Member, GWP Southeast Asia, Daegu/K-Water and universities: co-hosted seminars, Water Engineer co-training, utility twinning and pilots (NRW reduction, reuse, MAR/catchment). Evidence: repeat cohorts, adopted SOPs/toolkits, MoUs enabling replication, and policy roundtables informing SDG-6.

Create an ASEAN Water Cooperation Platform (by 2026), co-led by governments with Indonesian Water Association and regional networks: interoperable data standards and dashboards, utility twinning, cross-border river compacts, a joint R&D & capacity fund, and a blended-finance facility for reuse/NRW/NbS with annual disclosure.

Progress is hindered by political tensions, fragmented governance, and lack of trust. Since 2023, rising climate-driven migration, data gaps, and uneven scientific cooperation have deepened divides, underscoring the need for inclusive, values-based leadership in transboundary water management.

Paxaterra Global fosters cross-border trust through Lead with Soul Dialogues, equipping leaders to embed cooperation, inclusivity, and values into water governance. By convening civic, academic, and community stakeholders, we build cultures of dialogue that strengthen SDG 6 implementation.

Through Lead with Soul Cooperation Labs, Paxaterra Global partners with educators, civic groups, and peacebuilding networks to link water governance with values-driven leadership. Pilots show stronger cross-border dialogue, inclusive decision-making, and early adoption of collaborative practices that advance SDG 6.

By 2030, governments and river basin organizations must institutionalize inclusive, cross-border governance that embeds trust, scientific exchange, and community voices. Promoting values-driven leadership in transboundary agreements will transform cooperation into resilience and accelerate progress on SDG 6.

Challenges lack of trust and data-sharing between countries, weak transboundary governance, unequal access to resources, and insufficient scientific collaboration. Since 2023, climate impacts and population pressures have intensified tensions, requiring urgent discussion at the 2026 UN Water Confer.

WEC facilitates transboundary data-sharing platforms, joint scientific research, and community-led watershed management. We engage governments, NGOs, and youth networks to promote inclusive governance, equitable resource allocation, and monitor progress toward SDG 6 and related goals.

WEC’s ‘Shared Waters Alliance’ brings together governments, NGOs, scientists, and local communities across transboundary basins to share hydrological data, co-manage watersheds, and implement joint sanitation projects. Early results include improved water quality for 100,000+ people and strengthened inclusive governance practices supporting SDG 6.

By 2030, governments, regional organizations, and civil society must institutionalize transboundary water governance with shared data, joint scientific research, and inclusive stakeholder participation. Strengthened legal frameworks and collaborative platforms will ensure equitable access, resilience, and accelerated SDG 6 progress—key for the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Depuis 2023, les défis prioritaires incluent l’absence de cadres juridiques pour 60 % des bassins transfrontaliers, le manque de données partagées, la faible inclusion des communautés locales et la coordination limitée entre diplomatie scientifique et gouvernance inclusive.

Promouvoir des observatoires communautaires transfrontaliers de l’eau, intégrant données locales, savoirs autochtones et outils numériques. Ces plateformes facilitent la coopération scientifique, la gouvernance inclusive et le suivi participatif des ODD liés à l’eau.

L’initiative « Congo Basin Water Resources Cooperation » (CBWRC), pilotée par CICOS, réunit 9 pays, ONG, chercheurs et bailleurs. Elle a permis l’harmonisation des données hydrologiques, la formation de 120 experts locaux et l’adoption d’un protocole de gouvernance inclusive pour les bassins partagés.

Créer un Pacte mondial pour les bassins partagés, piloté par l’ONU et les commissions fluviales, intégrant diplomatie scientifique, données ouvertes, inclusion communautaire et financement équitable. Objectif : renforcer la coopération transfrontalière et accélérer l’ODD 6.

JAHAZI EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Key challenges include weak transboundary governance frameworks, limited data sharing, political tensions, unequal resource access, inadequate financing for joint initiatives, and insufficient inclusion of local communities and marginalized groups in decision-making.

We strengthen community-led water governance platforms, promote inclusive dialogue across stakeholders, and share data through collaborative monitoring. We engage in capacity building and partnerships to foster trust, improve resource sharing, and support joint action toward SDG 6.

Mt. Kulal Community Water Governance Platform – A partnership between local communities, county authorities, NGOs, and research institutions to enhance dialogue, data sharing, and joint resource management. It has improved trust, reduced conflicts, and strengthened inclusive water governance structures.

Governments and regional bodies must establish inclusive, science-based transboundary water agreements that promote data sharing, joint planning, and equitable resource use. Empowering local actors within these frameworks will build trust, prevent conflicts, and accelerate SDG 6 progress by 2030.

Key challenges include lack of accountability and transparency, limited access to reliable information, weak transboundary coordination, and insufficient inclusive governance, all of which hinder effective international water cooperation and sustainable management.

Barwaqa Relief Organization, in collaboration with the National Federation of Public Benefit Organizations promotes inclusive water governance, strengthens accountability, shares cross-border data, and engages stakeholders to advance transboundary cooperation and accelerate SDG 6 implementation.

Barwaqa Relief Organization partners with the National Federation of Public Benefit Organizations and government agencies to strengthen transboundary and national water governance. Through joint projects, data sharing, and capacity-building, we enhance inclusive decision-making, transparency, and accountability,

By 2030, governments should establish transparent and accountable transboundary water governance, promoting equitable access, scientific collaboration, and inclusive decision-making to ensure sustainable and cooperative water management.

Center for Scientific and Technical Research on Arid Regions CRSTRA

Key challenges include rising tensions over transboundary aquifers, lack of shared data and joint monitoring systems, weak inclusive governance, and insufficient scientific cooperation. Since 2023, climate stress has further strained water-sharing agreements and regional stability.

We are advancing a digital platform that combines geophysics, AI, and shared data to support transboundary aquifer monitoring. By engaging scientists, local authorities, and communities, it fosters inclusive governance, transparency, and cooperation to accelerate SDG 6.

The “Infonappe Cooperation” pilot links Algerian researchers, municipalities, and ICT experts to monitor shared aquifers with geophysics and AI. By fostering data-sharing and joint decision-making with farmers and local authorities, it reduced drilling costs, improved trust, and advanced SDG 6 cooperation goals.

By 2030, river basin organizations and UN-Water must establish an open-access “Global Hydro-Data Commons” using satellite, AI, and field data. This shared platform will empower states, scientists, and communities to jointly monitor transboundary waters, foster trust, and accelerate SDG 6 through evidence-based, inclusive governance.

The big subject it is your sea and then the vegetation also your agriculture food security

The action we must do it is to protect your sea your vegetatioon foret also your biodiversity somes animales and then your agriculture your sols

Ressources management food security health publics

Key challenges include limited data-sharing across borders, weak legal and institutional frameworks, competing water demands, lack of inclusive governance, and insufficient investment in joint management, hindering equitable and sustainable transboundary water cooperation.

Waterlight Save Initiative fosters multi-stakeholder water councils, facilitates cross-border data-sharing, promotes community-led governance, and partners with UN agencies and governments to strengthen scientific cooperation, transparency, and inclusive management to advance SDG 6.

Our Transboundary Water Governance Network brings together local communities, governments, and UN partners to share data, co-manage shared water resources, and build scientific capacity. This collaboration improved joint planning, reduced conflicts, and strengthened inclusive governance for SDG 6 implementation.

A transformative action is for regional governments and international organizations to establish legally binding frameworks for shared water management, backed by scientific collaboration and inclusive governance, ensuring equitable access, conflict prevention, and accelerated SDG 6 progress by 2030.

malu global water for all the people

we cant do without water for all the people to frink ,use cook ,

transportaton of water is for all the people not excpectional

UNESCO Association Guwahati, India

Key challenges include rising water stress across shared rivers, lack of basin-wide data sharing, climate-driven variability, weak dispute resolution, and limited community participation—issues that must be prioritized at the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Promoting data-sharing platforms, joint river basin studies, community dialogues, and regional capacity building to enhance trust, foster scientific cooperation, strengthen inclusive governance, and advance SDG 6 through equitable transboundary water management.

The Indus Waters Treaty showcases durable cooperation between India and Pakistan, with regular data exchange and joint commission meetings despite political tensions. Similarly, Ganga basin cooperation with Nepal and Bangladesh on hydrology and flood forecasting highlights science-based partnerships advancing SDG 6 through shared governance.

By 2030, a transformative action is creation of basin-wide, science-driven data-sharing and joint management platforms for South Asia’s transboundary rivers, led by governments with support from UN agencies, researchers, and civil society. Promoted at 2026 UN Water Conference, this fosters trust, resilience, and equitable SDG 6 progress.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Key barriers include fragmented legal mandates across jurisdictions, weak data sharing, limited trust between upstream–downstream actors, and the absence of joint financing and governance mechanisms. Rising climate stress and urban demand have outpaced institutional cooperation in the Pearl River.

We advance legal models for inter-jurisdictional cooperation in the GBA, support data-sharing and stakeholder mapping across Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong, and engage policymakers on inclusive basin governance, eco-compensation and cost-sharing to align SDG 6 with climate and development goals.

GBA Water Cooperation Study funded by Hong Kong’s Research Grants Council. It links legal scholars, planners and NGOs across Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong. By analysing basin institutions, eco-compensation and cost-sharing without invoking sovereign riparian politics, it creates strategic economic collaboration models that inform SDG 6 implementation and cross-border governance dialogues.

A transformative step is for Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to establish a joint basin coordination platform with shared data, financing and legal arrangements. Moving beyond administrative silos, it would enable inclusive governance, science-based planning and trust-building—an approach that should be promoted at the 2026 UN Water Conference.

collaborative community empowerment

Key challenges shared basins, unequal access to data and technology, weak legal frameworks for transboundary governance, and limited inclusion of vulnerable groups. Since 2023, climate stress has further strained cooperation and highlighted gaps in scientific collaboration.

We promote community-inclusive water diplomacy, support shared digital data platforms for transboundary basins, and pilot joint climate-resilient projects (solar water systems, watershed restoration). These foster trust, and equitable governance to advance SDG 6 and related SDGs

The Nile Basin Initiative demonstrates effective transboundary cooperation, uniting 10 countries to share data, develop joint projects, and build trust. Led by member states with support from the World Bank and UN agencies, it has improved basin governance, enhanced scientific collaboration, and advanced SDG 6 outcomes.

By 2030, riparian states must establish legally binding transboundary water agreements supported by UN facilitation and shared digital data platforms. Promoted at the 2026 UN Water Conference, this action would strengthen trust, ensure equitable governance, and accelerate SDG 6 through inclusive, science-based cooperation.

Lack of interoperable data across borders, fragmented governance, weak inclusion of youth and academia, and insufficient mechanisms for sustained transboundary dialogue hinder cooperation and accelerate water conflicts risks.

UMJAE + STRATEAU: establish basin–university–youth cooperation cells with shared dashboards, joint training and local charters to ensure inclusive governance, improve data exchange, and bridge science–policy–youth dialogue

Tripartite agreements with basin agencies and universities (Sebou, Litani, Jordan Valley) prove that STRATEAU dashboards reduce decision delays and foster trust. Supported by Cerema, ABH and universities, UMJAE mobilizes youth to co-produce data and policy briefs for SDG 6.

By 2030, institutionalize permanent “science–policy–youth” cooperation cells in all pilot basins. Led by basin agencies with UMJAE networks, these cells will provide harmonized data, inclusive governance, and joint monitoring, scaling cooperation from local to transboundary levels.

Even though there is much emphasis placed on engaging communities in creating water policy, it is becoming increasingly demoralizing, divorced from reality on the ground and dangerous for communities to try to engage in processes led by corporate actors, who often support authoritarian regimes.

In the 100 key basins project led by the Pacific Institute and others, it would be important to hold round tables about the costs-benefits of corporate-led water policy. Beyond this project, it's important to concertedly cultivate dissent in corporate water spaces--as in the food/health sectors.

National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru Jos Nigeria

Weak legal frameworks and enforcement in shared basins, climate-induced water stress fueling tensions, inadequate financing for joint infrastructure, limited data sharing and scientific cooperation, and exclusion of local communities from governance.

Strengthening basin-level charters to enhance joint governance and conflict prevention, Climate-Resilient Water Investments; Scientific Cooperation & Data Sharing; Inclusive Governance; Innovative Financing, Nature-Based Solutions, and South-South Knowledge Exchange

WaterAid–NWRI partnership building national capacity for sustainable sanitation, advancing Nigeria’s ODF 2025 goals, OPS-WASH/Nestlé campaign improving water quality; $10m Maiduguri water project and USAID E-WASH reforms strengthening urban systems, utilities, and ODF LGAs, and IWMI–ECOWAS MoUs promoting data sharing, climate-smart water management, and early-warning tools across West Africa.

A continental financing compact on water and sanitation, led by the African Union with national governments, AfDB, and development partners, to guarantee predictable, long-term investment for both infrastructure and operation/maintenance. To close the persistent financing gap, ensure equitable access (especially for vulnerable groups), and embed climate resilience into all water initiatives.

Laboratory of Modeling in Hydraulics and Environment (LMHE), National Engineering School of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, BP 37, Belvedere, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia

Data inequity, institutional fragmentation & climate finance gaps hinder transboundary aquifer cooperation. Post-2023, prioritize: enforceable allocation agreements, shared monitoring (IoT), and circular water economies to transform water from a conflict source to a cooperation driver.

The FEFLOW-MCA-GIS is integrated to estimate aquifer maps for the future, establish dynamic recharge thresholds, and co-design Water Circularity Indices with stakeholders, turning scientific data into actionable, cooperative governance tools for SDG 6

A transdisciplinary team (researchers, Specialised administration, policymakers), respecting international standards, to co-develop a Hydrogeological Model-MCA-GIS framework. This scientist-practitioner partnership directly enabled a national MAR strategy, achieving +35m groundwater recovery, 30% cost reduction, and integration into Tunisia’s GIRE 2030 plan, accelerating SDG 6 implementation.

For transboundary water cooperation, we must create Shared Aquifer Management Platforms for critical groundwater basins. Managed jointly by neighboring countries and scientific experts, these platforms would use shared data and models to create enforceable water-sharing agreements and attract targeted investment, turning water into a reliable source of regional stability and climate resilience.

Museu das Águas Brasileiras (Brazilian Waters Museum)

Key challenges include limited data sharing, weak transboundary governance, unequal participation of vulnerable communities, insufficient scientific collaboration, and underfunded cooperative frameworks, to advance inclusive and sustainable water management.

Through forums, workshops, courses, and initiatives like The Water We Want and Youth by the Waters, and editorials, we foster transboundary dialogue, integrate science and cultural knowledge, and engage communities and youth to advance inclusive governance and SDG 6.

Through the Partnerships with WAMUNET (Global Water Museum Network), Latin American and Caribbean Network of Water Museums, forums, workshops, and courses, we collaborate with universities, traditional communities, and governments. Integrating science, culture, and youth leadership, these partnerships strengthen transboundary dialogue and advance SDG 6.

By 2030, a transformative action is establishing inclusive transboundary water governance that integrates science, culture, and local knowledge. Led by national governments in partnership with internatitional instituitions, this approach empowers communities, fosters cooperation, and accelerates SDG 6 progress.

Groupement Agropastoral pour le Développement de Yongoro

développement de compétences écologiques et création d'emplois (formation des jeunes et des entrepreneurs locaux), de la réduction des coûts de santé liés au traitement des maladies d'origine hydrique, amélioration des moyens de subsistance, de la réduction.
Des émissions de gaz

développement de compétences écologiques et création d'emplois (formation des jeunes et des entrepreneurs locaux),Le renforcement des capacités techniques et institutionnelles des ministères et des communautés locales pour mener à bien des évaluations des risques climatiques,

Le renforcement des capacités techniques et institutionnelles des ministères et des communautés locales pour mener à bien des évaluations des risques climatiques,

Disputes over ownership of water bodies, sources and borders
Pollution water bodies with plastics and sewerage

International Network of Liberal Women

Key challenges include weak transboundary governance, limited data sharing, unequal access for vulnerable communities, and insufficient stakeholder inclusion. Climate impacts and water scarcity have intensified disputes, highlighting the need for cooperation and science-based management

We foster transboundary dialogue by empowering women leaders, promoting data sharing, and integrating science-based water management. Our initiatives link SDG 6 with peacebuilding, inclusive governance, and community resilience, ensuring vulnerable groups participate in decision-making.

The “Women, Water & Peace” initiative unites NGOs, local authorities, and women’s networks to co-manage shared water resources. By combining scientific data, community training, and inclusive governance, it strengthened transboundary cooperation, improved SDG 6 outcomes, and enhanced resilience.

By 2030, governments, UN agencies, and regional bodies must establish legally binding, science-based transboundary water agreements with inclusive governance that ensures women and vulnerable groups participate. This transformative action will strengthen cooperation, prevent conflicts, and accelerate SDG 6 progress, a priority for the 2026 UN Water Conference.

International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO)

Around half of the transboundary basins are not covered by an operational legal arrangement (treaty gathering the States of the basin as parties) and institutional framework (basin organization as a joint body). Insufficient support to global legal instrument (UNECE 1992 Convention).

Projects to create and strengthen transboundary basin organizations & transboundary water information systems throughout the world. Promotion of the UNECE 1992 Convention with the Transboundary Water Cooperation Coalition to ensure its ratification, uptake and application of its provisions.

Advocacy & capacity building : the Transboundary Water Cooperation Coalition, the Global Network of transboundary Basins working on Climate Change and the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Programme for Basin Organizations : international cooperation and exchange of experiences between peers (https://shorturl.at/0KIoa).

Bio-Plateaux project: creation of a legal and institutional framework of a cooperation mechanism between French Guyana and Surinam in the transboundary basin of the Maroni river. Trust was first built through data sharing between riparian States. https://www.bio-plateaux.org/

Vanni Rehabilitation Organization for differently abled persons

Help other countries with your facilities : South Sudan. River of Nile is useless.

Lack of inclusive governance, extractive funding models, and failure to recognize citizen science and ceremonial stewardship hinder cooperation. Data remains siloed, and vulnerable communities are excluded from decision-making. Prioritize reciprocity, transparency, and grassroots leadership.

Activate inclusive governance through citizen water literacy and ceremonial stewardship. The Visibility Protocol trains communities to test and interpret water quality, translating data into everyday language. This fosters scientific cooperation, shared accountability, and dignified SDG 6 progress.

The Visibility Protocol fosters inclusive governance by training citizen stewards in water literacy and ceremonial restoration. It translates water data into everyday language, enabling cross-border understanding. Led by Tarryn Johnston, it engages NGOs, educators, and faith groups to advance SDG 6 through symbolic and scientific cooperation.

By 2030, international bodies must fund and formalize citizen water literacy as a tool for transboundary cooperation. Training communities to test, interpret, and share water data—through scientific and ceremonial methods—builds trust, bridges governance gaps, and enables inclusive, dignified SDG 6 implementation across borders.

Geopolitical tension fuels data hoarding, severely hindering transboundary scientific cooperation. Furthermore, exclusionary governance often omits local and indigenous stakeholders, failing to integrate their traditional knowledge and local digital solutions into decision-making.

Digital Inclusion of Local Actors: Deploy accessible, mobile-first governance education modules to train local stakeholders, indigenous groups, and civil society on transboundary policy mechanisms.

Global cooperation often focuses on rivers and politics, overlooking cultural, educational, and scientific collaboration that connects people through shared water heritage and climate resilience.

The Khmer–Korea or Korea- Khmer Climate & Culture (KK-CC) initiative links science, art, and tradition through rainwater. Joint Rain Schools, Rain Dance festivals, and UN Rain Day events strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation.

KK-CC unites Seoul National University, Rain For All, RAC Cambodia, and IWA–ICOMOS experts. Student exchanges, joint research, and rain-themed performances have deepened trust, blending heritage with innovation across Asia and beyond.

Declare UN Rain Day (3 September) as a shared platform for cultural and scientific diplomacy. Each year, nations, schools, and youth networks can celebrate rain as a connector—turning water cooperation into global solidarity through knowledge and art.

Safe Transport and Survivors support Uganda (STASSU)

Key challenges include limited data sharing on transboundary lakes like Victoria, weak enforcement of regional water agreements, and inadequate funding for joint scientific research. Fragmented governance and lack of inclusive stakeholder engagement hinder cooperation and SDG 6 progress.

We support the Lake Victoria Basin Collaborative, enhancing transboundary water governance through shared data platforms, joint scientific research, and inclusive stakeholder dialogues. This fosters regional cooperation, strengthens resilience, and accelerates SDG 6 implementation in East Africa.

The “Lake Victoria Water Governance Partnership” brings together Uganda’s Ministry of Water, regional bodies, and local communities to harmonize water policies, share hydrological data, and conduct joint research. It has improved water quality monitoring, reduced conflicts, and strengthened SDG 6 implementation across borders.

By 2030, East African governments must establish a legally binding transboundary water framework for shared lakes and rivers, supported by regional scientific institutions. This will enable joint data systems, inclusive governance, and coordinated climate-resilient water management to accelerate SDG 6

Prioritize overcoming data asymmetry and political mistrust in transboundary basins. Climate change-induced hydrological shifts are creating new baselines for negotiation, demanding innovative governance models and robust scientific cooperation to prevent conflicts.

Our forthcoming book (OUP) sheds light on Decision support models to assist international water negotiations. they enable co-riparians to jointly simulate climate adaptation scenarios, build trust through shared data, and identify cooperative solutions advancing SDG 6.5 and regional water security.

Decision Support Models for Transboundary Water Negotiations. This academic-practitioner partnership provides model-driven frameworks to basin organizations. By creating a shared fact-base, it transforms negotiations, directly accelerating SDG 6.5 implementation and fostering inclusive, evidence-based governance. Stakeholders include researchers, diplomats, policymakers

Transformative Action: UN-Water and basin organizations must champion the mandatory co-development of Transboundary Decision Support Systems. These shared, open-source platforms, built on joint data, are essential infrastructure for building trust, managing climate risks, and unlocking cooperative investments.

There is a lack of high-level political platforms dedicated to water, despite the urgent and growing nature of global water challenges.

Engaging in water-focused events helps give water a voice and ensures it remains visible in key policy and decision-making arenas.

A key challenge is the massive capacity gap. Without a skilled and diverse workforce, the complex challenges of water cooperation and governance cannot be solved. Women are under-represented in decision making due to visible and invisible barriers. This limits improvement of cooperation/governance.

Strengthening women as water professionals/diplomats (gender equality/capacity) has positive impacts on water governance. Addressing existing barriers for women is a key solution. Mentoring, advocacy, and networking support further. The Stronger Together!Coalition actively works on this

Connecting female water professionals/diplomats contributes to a diverse and strong workforce to tackle the challenges of water cooperation. The Stronger Together!Coalition unites 6 women’s networks with over 15 000 members, including women in water governance, and 6 strong partners to this aim. We jointly address existing barriers, advocate, provide peer-support, networking, and mentoring

Recognizing the need for a well-trained and diverse workforce as the foundation of progress: Targeted investment in people and the deliberate dismantling of barriers especially for women to attract and retain a workforce that turns political will into long lasting water cooperation. Water cooperation organizations, governments, funders to address these barriers.

Environmental & Public Health International

Data silos and unequal technical capacity across regions hinder transparent cooperation, limiting shared progress toward equitable, climate-resilient water infrastructure and the full realization of SDG 6.

The free LSLRCC promotes open, science-based cooperation by standardizing cost modeling for equitable water infrastructure planning, strengthening data transparency and cross-border collaboration.

Through listings on UNEP’s Sustainable Infrastructure Tool Navigator and EDF’s Lead Innovation Hub, the LSLRCC demonstrates how open civic tech can unify diverse stakeholders around transparent, data-driven decision-making for water security and inclusive governance.

Member States, research networks, and financing institutions should adopt interoperable open-data tools to align investments and standards. Transparent cost modeling can anchor regional cooperation frameworks for sustainable and climate-resilient water systems.

Water remains invisible in global narratives. The lack of strategic public relations and storytelling hinders transboundary cooperation and inclusive governance. The 2026 UN Water Conference must prioritize making water visible through influencers and brands that unify science, diplomacy, and media

WaterRising will activate Water House as a global platform to convene public-private stakeholders, track SDG 6 progress, and elevate water diplomacy through media, science, and inclusive governance. We’ll launch “Water Needs a Deal” to unify investment and cooperation.

WaterRising proposes Water House as a global platform to convene public-private leaders and make water visible and investable, mirroring climate’s success in carbon finance. Through “Water Needs a Deal,” we aim to unify science, diplomacy, and media to accelerate SDG 6. Partners include UN Women, AquaFed, and global cities.

By 2030, G20 leaders and global media coalitions must back Water House to launch “Water Needs a Deal” a strategic campaign to make water visible, investable, and cooperative. Promoted at the 2026 UN Water Conference, it will unify science, diplomacy, and finance across borders.

Water Policy Group’s surveys of national water leaders have found in most countries water leaders think they have enough access to science services.

Key challenges include the rising salinity and chemical pollution from desalination brine discharges, which threaten marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal livelihoods—undermining the human right to water and sanitation in vulnerable coastal communities.

Capture6’s brine-based DAC turns desalination brine into a resource—removing CO₂, recovering freshwater, and reducing marine discharge. This circular, water-positive approach supports SDG 6 and 13 by advancing clean water access and climate resilience in vulnerable regions.

Through projects with Palmdale Water District (USA) and K-Water (Korea), Capture6 demonstrates how brine-based CO₂ removal can recover freshwater, cut emissions, and reduce marine discharge. These public-private partnerships showcase scalable, water-positive climate solutions advancing SDG 6 & 13 collaboratively.

By 2030, governments and utilities must integrate carbon removal with water management, scaling solutions like Capture6’s brine-based DAC that turn waste brine into freshwater and CO₂ storage. This transformative link between climate and water action can protect marine ecosystems and secure water rights for all.

Objectif Sciences International

Water tensions, fragmented data, and unequal access to knowledge still hinder cooperation across borders. Weak trust, limited scientific exchange, and poor inclusive governance prevent joint planning and collaboration, especially in transboundary basins exposed to climate and political stress.

We promote diplomacy through participatory science: youth-led basin observatories where neighboring communities jointly collect data, share findings, and design cooperative water solutions. These platforms foster transparency, trust, and peace-building through shared evidence that informs decision.

Through Impact Participatory Science Hackathons, the NGO OSI convenes basin authorities, researchers, NGOs, youth groups, and UN partners across borders to co-create shared datasets and joint water solutions. These partnerships strengthen scientific diplomacy, enhance trust and data transparency, prevent conflicts, and build lasting cooperative capacity for inclusive and regional water governance.

River basin commissions and UN bodies should institutionalize citizen-driven scientific cooperation within transboundary water agreements. Embedding shared monitoring, open data, and participatory diplomacy, using common data standards, joint early-warning, and co-financed basin plans, will transform water governance into a bridge for peace, resilience, and inclusive development across regions.

As INBO Secretariat, OiEau leads the P2P project to foster peer-to-peer exchanges and partnerships among basin organizations, and to strengthen their expertise in IWRM, building on EU directives and UN conventions as key references

By essence, our French Water Partnership is an example of such cooperation.It gathers all kinds of French stakeholders. They worked together to contribute building then implementing the SDGs. This resulted in broadly-supported consensus on many policy messages conveyed at the global level. It also resulted in a unique tool, water4allSDGs, enabling water actors to effectively contribute to the SDGs

Harmonization/agreeement on legal meaning of terms mentioned in Water Convention and other International convention that have direct impact on water quality and quantity such as restoration and rehabilitation

We need to make an ammendment in Water Convention and other conventions mentioning the need to restorae/rehabilitate freshwater systems in the advent of pollution or other disturbances because the lack of legal definitions included in the conventions is jeopardizing law implementation.

Many Countries view rivers and lakes as water resources that can be exploited and not as a common good to be protected. This is even more evident where rivers cross multiple states. It is shameful to allow overexploitation and pollution by upstream countries.

Clear indications are needed and the various countries need to be brought to the table for river contracts with fundamental principles of management and protection and agreements on the sustainable use of the resource involving the major stakeholders.

If you search for "acqua univerde" on Google, many of our initiatives on these topics come up. We would like to organize a side event bringing these themes to the 2026 UN Water Conference to which we would like to invite our partners and Institutions from different Countries to illustrate the best practices we have learned so far.

River contracts with fundamental principles of protection and clear rules for the use of water between all Countries that share river routes

Fragmented efforts block multi-sector collaboration. Local actors are underrepresented. Aid cuts weaken partnerships. WASH infrastructure faces attacks. Water is weaponized. Coordination gaps persist across humanitarian, development, and peace actors.

ACF builds strategic partnerships with local actors, supports CSO participation and emergency response, co-leads coordination platforms, and promotes nexus approaches in fragile contexts. We advocate for quality ODA.

ACF builds strategic partnerships with local actors, sharing risks and resources. We strengthen CSO capacity and promote multi-actor coordination in fragile contexts, integrating food security and conflict-sensitive water governance to enhance local response and sustainability.

ACF supports rights-based water governance with inclusive community leadership, fosters South-South/North-South cooperation, strengthens nexus coordination across sectors, and develops mediation platforms addressing water conflicts and food security needs.

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA)

Pollution from human excreta is not stopping at national borders. Addressing the need to safely manage sanitation brings benefits to shared water bodies, its ecosystems, and the health of people depending on these water sources for personal use and economic development

Linking the challenge of pollution from human excreta to the issues of ID4 and fostering synergies across sectors. SuSanA with its large base of members and partners offers a wide range of potential synergies with the stakeholders of ID 4.

Recognizing the benefits of safely managed, climate resilient and equitable sanitation for transboundary water management: Sanitation is a powerful solution to safeguard biodiversity, prevent health crises, support food-and energy production, sustain tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection in the context of transboundary water management.

Kathak Academy,ECOSOC Status

Key challenges include geopolitical tensions over shared waters, limited data-sharing and joint monitoring, weak governance frameworks, inadequate financing for cooperation, and climate impacts intensifying water scarcity, competition, and mistrust among riparian states.

Our organization promotes regional dialogue platforms, supports joint research and data-sharing, builds capacity on inclusive water governance, fosters community-based cooperation across borders, and mobilizes partnerships to strengthen transboundary water management for SDG 6 progress.

Our “Regional Water Harmony Initiative” unites government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions to enhance transboundary data-sharing, joint watershed management, and policy dialogue. It has improved cooperation, reduced local conflicts, and strengthened collective progress toward SDG 6 targets.

By 2030, a Global Water Cooperation Framework led by the UN and regional bodies must be established to mandate data-sharing, joint basin management, and inclusive governance among riparian nations, fostering trust, scientific collaboration, and equitable, climate-resilient transboundary water management.

Unity for shared, sustainable transboundary water future.

يجب عدم قطع مياه الانهار فهناك دول تقطع المياه ضمن حدودها وتمنع سريانها الى الدولة الاخرى

Weak/absent basin-level data sharing, outdated treaties, and geopolitical tensions hinder equitable transboundary water governance. Lack of integration of climate impacts, sediment loss, and exclusion of local and women’s voices in decision making on water and climate security and diplomacy.

KI’s Climate Security Policy Brief with adelphi analysed South Asia’s water-climate risks & proposed making regional water treaties climate-inclusive. Further, developing cross-border CBMs integrating local and community stakeholders to build long-term transboundary water and climate resilience.

Greater support is needed for initiatives such as the Nepal–India CBFEWS, Brahmaputra Dialogues, Indus Basin Knowledge Platform, and the Bangladesh–India Joint Rivers Commission across all diplomatic levels to enable informed cross-border action, peace, and cooperation while integrating the voices of women and local communities.

By 2030, South Asian governments must institutionalize climate-inclusive transboundary water governance, integrating science diplomacy and community-led data sharing. Establishing basin councils with women’s and local representation will transform fragmented treaties into cooperative, resilient frameworks and enable peace, security and climate resilience.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

En travaillant ensemble et en mettant en œuvre ces solutions, nous pouvons relever les défis de la gestion de l'eau et assurer un avenir durable pour tous.

Face à ces risques, la modernisation des infrastructures existantes et la création de points d'eau incendies (PEI) stratégiquement positionnés sont cruciales (en savoir plus sur la Défense Extérieure Contre l’Incendie

Les technologies de purification de l’eau permettent de traiter les eaux usées pour diverses utilisations. Adopter des technologies d'économie d'eau dans les industries, les ménages et l'agriculture peut permettre de réduire la consommation globale de manière significative.

En périodes de sécheresse ou dans les zones arides, l’installation de citernes souples et de réservoirs d'eau modulaires devient essentielle, voire vitale pour stocker de l'eau potable en cas de pénurie ou d'urgence.

Le développement et la promotion de technologies d'assainissement adaptées

Aid Gate Organization for economic development (AGO)

Lack of transboundary coordination in the Tigris–Euphrates basin, data gaps on shared water flows, and limited civil-society participation in decision-making undermine equitable allocation and climate-resilient water governance in Iraq.

AGO promotes multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms linking local authorities, civil society, and academia to improve data exchange, build trust, and develop community-based agreements on fair water use and cross-border environmental protection.

Through the South Iraq Resilience & Early-Warning Network (SIREN), AGO and the Raqqa Environment Directorate share drought and groundwater data, fostering Iraqi-Syrian technical cooperation. Joint training enhanced hydrological monitoring and community preparedness.

Regional governments, UN agencies, and NGOs should establish a Tigris–Euphrates Basin Knowledge Hub for shared data, joint forecasting, and inclusive policy dialogue to strengthen cooperation and prevent water-related conflicts in the Middle East.

Despite Indigenous territories covering 25% of global terrestrial land including transboundary basins, Indigenous Peoples and values are rarely included in transboundary processes or decision-making bodies, apart from exceptions such as the basins between the United States/Canada, e.g. the Yukon.

Support Indigenous-led water governance and projects and recognize Indigenous water rights and inclusion in transboundary policy. Incorporate tools into decision making such as cultural flows for rivers, Indigenous water policies, and facilitate training and use of two-eyed seeing approaches.

Improve participation of Indigenous Peoples in water governance and decision-making such as river basin organisations, including capacity development. Capacity needs vary, including legal and technical knowledge, expertise, staff, financial resources, and leadership support. https://siwi.org/publications/supporting-the-inclusion-of-indigenous-peoples-in-transboundary-water-cooperation/

The Fyera Foundation (ECOSOC)

1. Transportation infrastructure 2. Climate change 3.Water as a profit center by corporations such as Nestle rather than regarded as a right for all 4. The politicizing of water as weapon, as in withholding access to water in Gaza 5. Pharmaceuticals entering water supply 6. Lowering water standards

At the UNOC 2025 we featured the work of multi NGO partners (such as The Nature Conservancy and The World Wildlife Federation and Coastal First Nations) to bring countries in conflict together over the protection and preservation of water and life at their shared coastlines.

In UNOC 2025 we featured the work of multi NGO partners (such as The Nature Conservancy and The World Wildlife Federation and Coastal First Nations) to bring countries in conflict together over the protection and preservation of water and life at their shared coastlines. Outcomes: Restoration commitments to coral reefs and international accords as well as restoration of species such as sea grass.

Empowering governance and communities with emotional self regulation resilience skills for inclusive, innovative "we" solutions to their challenges with access to clean water, leading to policy that makes clean water a basic right for all living things, and requires every country in the UN system to prioritize budgets of human, scientific, and financial resources to insure it.

We offer a global solution for water, energy, and climate using clouds, which can provide 11 times more clean fresh water than all rivers combined. Furthermore, clouds are a source of carbon-free renewable energy, potentially second only to the sun, which could solve the climate crisis.

We offer a global solution for water, energy, and climate using clouds, which can provide 11 times more clean fresh water than all rivers combined. Furthermore, clouds are a source of carbon-free renewable energy, potentially second only to the sun, which could solve the climate crisis.

We offer a global solution for water, energy, and climate using clouds, which can provide 11 times more clean fresh water than all rivers combined. Furthermore, clouds are a source of carbon-free renewable energy, potentially second only to the sun, which could solve the climate crisis.

We offer a global solution for water, energy, and climate using clouds, which can provide 11 times more clean fresh water than all rivers combined. Furthermore, clouds are a source of carbon-free renewable energy, potentially second only to the sun, which could solve the climate crisis.

Key challenges include weak transboundary governance, limited data-sharing mechanisms, and unequal access to financing for joint water projects. Political tensions, fragmented legal frameworks, and lack of inclusive stakeholder participation further slow progress on cooperative water management.

We promotes regional data-sharing platforms and policy dialogues that align scientific cooperation with community-based water governance. We foster partnerships for transboundary watershed management, integrating climate risk analytics and sustainability finance to support SDG 6 collaboration.

Through the “Shared Basins Dialogue Platform,” Wourton partners with local authorities, academia, and regional water agencies to enhance cross-border data exchange and inclusive governance. This initiative has strengthened stakeholder coordination and informed joint adaptation planning across shared watersheds.

Regional economic communities and river basin organizations must establish legally binding water-sharing and data-cooperation frameworks supported by digital monitoring systems. This will institutionalize trust, ensure equitable resource use, and drive collective climate resilience across shared watersheds.

United Cities and Local Governemenst - UCLG

Fragmented governance, lack of trust and limited inclusion of local actors hinder effective water cooperation and peacebuilding across territories and borders.

UCLG promotes democratic, multi-actor governance and decentralized cooperation to build trust, share knowledge and connect global commitments with local water action.

Through the Global Taskforce, UCLG fosters decentralized cooperation on water and sanitation, linking cities and utilities across borders to share expertise, strengthen solidarity, and advance inclusive governance and peace through local partnerships.

Institutionalize multi-level and cross-border water governance by 2030, enabling local and regional governments to act as trusted brokers of dialogue, peace and solidarity, connecting communities and advancing shared water security.

pollution, poisoning water, lax enforcement rules, key government persons involvement

Ghana government is so late for partnering with other international institutions in this way

chiefs and elders as custodians of land join hands with government to initiative laws for enforcement

Local water governance lacks resources and expertise. Integrating diverse knowledge is difficult. Structural and cultural barriers hinder collaboration. Economic systems reward harmful practices. Responsibility for restoring damaged waters is unclear.

Applications of collaborative or interactive water governance at local level.

Cross-sectoral collaboration must be acknowledged.

Paired with a lack of structural investment in water, the Siloes approach and the lack of visibility of the different values of water. Political conflicts can constitute a barrier for cross-border cooperation in terms of science and water management.

Water Europe is involved in different EU-funded projects that support inclusive governance. Moreover, the main objective of Water Europe is to support Scientific cooperation and transboundary water management. The organisation is a pragmatic solution/example for advancing progress on SDG6.

the organisation called Water Europe is a good example of partnerships, cooperation to work on the SDG 6, involving the full value-chain of the water eco-system (NOGs, multinationals, utilities, solution providers, public authorities, large industrial users, Research centers and universities. link: www.watereurope.eu

All EU stakeholders should be mobilised to invest in water and transboundary governance via the next multiannual financial framework of the European Union (2028-2034)