Financing gaps, weak governance, and limited capacity—exacerbated by climate change—continue to hinder the human right to water and sanitation. Outdated transboundary frameworks and inequities for vulnerable groups must be prioritized at the 2026 UN Water Conference.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), facilitated by the World Bank, combined financing, technology, and institutional capacity to manage shared waters between India and Pakistan. It created Permanent Indus Commission for dialogue and dispute resolution, enabling irrigation and hydropower. A model of multi-stakeholder collaboration advancing SDG 6, it now requires updating for climate challenges.

By 2030, governments, with support from international organizations and technical experts, must modernize transboundary water frameworks to integrate climate resilience, equitable access, and innovation in financing and technology. This will create enabling conditions to accelerate SDG 6 and secure water and sanitation for vulnerable populations.

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

Acts for water sustainability:Environmental Protection Act, 1986: Supports pollution control mechanisms that affect water bodies.Ground Water Act (varies by state): Addresses groundwater extraction and management at state levels.

Resource recovery & circular tech: adopt technologies that enable ZLD (zero-liquid-discharge), advanced treatment, and on-site reuse.
Preventive design and source control: reduce contaminants at the source to lower treatment costs and enable safer reuse.
Economic instruments & incentives: pricing, credits, and subsidies that favor reuse, efficiency, and recovery.

Clean Climate and Environment Campaign Initiative

- Accelerating Circular Economy Based Solutions:
- Source of Innovation: Accelerating SDG 6: This partnership, led by the Inter-American Development Bank, promotes innovation in the water, sanitation, and solid waste sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Program (WISP):
- Mahila Housing Trust (MHT):.

- Promote innovation and evidence-based action to enhance water efficiency and reduce pollution.
- Enhance cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation among stakeholders.
- Adopt a more integrated and holistic approach to water management.
- Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including wetlands and rivers.
- Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and reduce water scarcity.

Association Santé Meilleure Vie Meilleure SM-VM

Persistent gaps in rural access, weak infrastructure, climate impacts, limited financing, and lack of inclusive governance hinder progress. Priorities include equity for vulnerable groups, stronger community systems, and sustainable resource management.

SM-VM promotes mobile awareness campaigns, community-led water safety monitoring, partnerships with schools and local authorities, and low-cost technologies to expand safe access, strengthen resilience, and advance SDG 6 with equity.

Through the ‘Community Water and Health Outreach’ initiative, SM-VM partners with local authorities, schools, and health actors to deliver mobile water education and monitoring. This approach improved hygiene practices, expanded safe access for vulnerable groups, and fostered joint accountability for SDG 6

A transformative action is sustained investment in community-driven water systems, led by governments with civil society and private sector support. Empowering vulnerable groups, scaling low-cost innovations, and ensuring accountability will accelerate universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.

Municipal Services Project & Public Banking Project

Women Environmental Programme

Climate stress, inequality, weak governance, and financing gaps persist. Vulnerable groups face unsafe sanitation, while rights-based approaches remain poorly integrated into national policies post-2023.

Through inclusive WASH projects, rights-based advocacy, women/youth empowerment, and climate-resilient water systems, WEP strengthens access, improves sanitation, and advances SDG 6 alongside health, equity, and sustainability goals.

WEP’s Community-Led WASH & Climate Resilience Initiative partners with local governments, UN agencies, and women’s cooperatives. It empowers vulnerable groups, ensures rights-based water access, and has improved sanitation for 5,000 households, advancing SDG 6 through inclusive governance.

Governments must adopt and enforce gender-responsive, rights-based water policies, backed by sustainable financing and accountability mechanisms, to ensure universal access for vulnerable groups and accelerate SDG 6 by 2030.

Key challenges include 1) climate change affecting water supply and quality, especially in coastal communities with increase in ground water salinity 2) rapid population growth, particularly in urban areas, outpacing WASH services, and 3) reduced funding, especially after USAID's recent closure.

Optimal Greening’s approach to WASH service delivery is anchored on community development and environmental sustainability. Our solution integrates sustainable water sources, innovative & renewable technologies, and capacity-building of Community Based Organizations for long-term sustainability.

Optimal Greening has a proven award-winning Agala WASH pilot and is now scaling up this innovative approach to WASH service delivery focused on underserved communities in Nigeria. Our projects are executed in collaboration with reputable local and international public & private sector partners including EDP, USAID, Grundfos Foundation, Vitol Foundation, Lagos State Ministry of Environment & AllOn.

The Multilateral Development Banks are far removed for organizations working effectively on the ground in underserved communities in developing nations, where WASH services are desperately needed. MDBs should create platforms to engage directly with NGOs such as Optimal Greening that are deploying community managed WASH infrastructure to identify funding opportunities for scaling & broader impact.

subsidizing operation and maintenance of rural systems, low interest-rate loans

Philanthropic funding to prepare a pipeline a bankable projects for concessional loans. A $5 million grant to the African Development Bank in Uganda unlocks $100 million in concessional loan

Governments should subsidize operations based on performance

Human Photosynthesis(TM) Research Center

The key point is to improve the management of wastewater, drinking water, and salt water. Despite the enormous effort of decades and even hundreds of years, the water is increasingly polluted. Treatment and water treatment plants tend to be abandoned due to the poor results.

The gradual loss of dissolved oxygen levels is a key point in water quality that has not been addressed in any country, and there was no known economically viable method to improve them, except the injection of oxygen into the body of water, but it is excessively expensive.

There is a material (QBLOCK(R)) developed based on the biology of the human eye that raises the levels of dissolved oxygen in water, without the need for electricity, without added chemicals, that reduces the formation of toxic sludge by more than 90%, and whose average life exceeds 25 years.

The restoration of dissolved oxygen levels in all types of water (drinking, waste, salt, etc.), which will result in a striking improvement in water quality, resulting in benefits for human, animal, and environmental health.

Groupement Agropastoral pour le développement de yongoro

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-La RCA est confrontée à des défis exceptionnels en matière d'accès au financement climatique, ce qui rend la subvention du FAE essentielle pour ce projet.
Les limites budgétaires de la RCA, causées par la stagnation économique, la faiblesse des recettes fiscales et les chocs extérieurs

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,

Worsening inequality, climate-driven displacement, and gaps in digital access hinder equitable water and sanitation. Post-2023, AI-driven service allocation risks exclusion without ethical safeguards. Governance gaps and lack of community voice persist.

We deploy Smartsettle Infinity, an AI-assisted negotiation platform, to empower communities and institutions to reach fair, data-informed agreements on water access. It fosters inclusive, rights-based governance and supports SDG 6 by reducing conflict and enabling optimized consensus.

Smartsettle Infinity enables multi-stakeholder collaboration on water access through AI-assisted, multivariate visual blind bidding and other algorithms that generate fair optimized consensus. In Myanmar, it supports a peace-focused SDG 6 simulation with academic, civil society, and government partners. Results show accelerated agreement on priorities and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

Governments and multilateral bodies must adopt digital consensus-building platforms like Smartsettle Infinity to ensure inclusive, transparent decision-making on water rights. Embedding such tools in public policy will empower vulnerable groups, reduce conflict, and accelerate SDG 6 implementation by 2030.

Local government and community meaningful participation in water governance decision-making.

Institutional arrangement, technical capacity building and financing for integrated water resource management.

Systems strengthening, civic participation in water governance, and inclusive access to water.

First Modern Agro Tools Common Initiative Group

Achieving cost recovery leading to water utilities to differentiate their service between who pays and who cant afford to pay leaving automatically more vulnerable areas.

Then national government need to stepin by learning, designing, and emphasising new strategies at an organisational level, such as performance management, outsourcing, etc also water utilities’ staff need to have better salary and better investment on humam resources/ capabilities

Water companies need to create strategic goals targeting Corporate social responsibility. Until now it has been passive at least in the global South

It's own government to stand up and prioritise water as their prioritise road and ports. Water sector is always left bcs they/ national government are used to wait for ' help'. It is mainly lack of priority to inject money in the sector.

Children have no agency / not empowered to meaningfully engage (see UN Futures conference Policy Brief 3) or actively participate in global decision-making on water and sustainable development. While many have education (ESD) in school, it is not connected to action for humanity and the planet.

"Saving the Worlds Water Towers" campaign to promote inclusive education to deepen
understanding of mountains & water (Earth Systems Science) challenges and responsibilities. Mountains and their glaciers are global zero water day for humanity, which requires collective global to local action.

ZWDP has provided leadership for whole schools, whole community approach to build lifelong learning systems for sustainable development. Key elements are Water Partnership Ambassadors, 'Ice to Ice' training and creation of 17 SDG Water Walks (Gunnison Middle and High School, Colorado, USA). Global citizenship education through Schools Poster Initiative and events & exhibitions.

Inclusive education to deepen understanding of water challenges and responsibilities that is integrating into national education policies(see paragraph 75 UN Resolution https://documents.un.org/symbol-explorer?s=A/80/255&i=A/80/255_1755718505119)

Inclusive lifelong learning for water and people that strengthens community security and cohesion

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Since 2023 and the recognition of the human right to menstrual health management, we have conducted many national studies on how the right has been implemented. It is a topic that is poorly recognised, lacking in clear guidelines, and generally incomplete in terms of a holistic approach.

We have conducted country legal mapping (gap analysis) of how the human right to menstrual health management is being implemented in national contexts, based on the framework of the human right to sanitation. This highlights areas for improvement, recommendations and provides a guideline framework.

We have partnered with the Latin American development bank, the South African Water Research Commission, and WaterAid to collect examples of good practice, both in policy and in action. The main outputs are publications so far, but our intention is to platform the results in regional conferences, such as AWSISA (Africa)and LATINOSAN, to gain greater transparency and support for the approach.

Develop a framework and guideline for how to integrate the human right to menstrual health management sustainably and sensitively into national law

1Myac | 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge

In recent seasons, microplastics and PFAS from ski gear and waxes have increasingly polluted the Swiss Alps. As snow melts, these toxins seep into the soil and groundwater, affecting the wider Alpine region, including Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Ban PFAS ski wax, promote PFAS-free gear, monitor pollution in snow and soil, launch awareness campaigns for tourists, involve local businesses, enforce checks at rentals, and support eco-friendly tourism and sustainable gear design.

Public-private partnerships with ski gear makers, tourism operators, and local authorities can drive PFAS-free innovations. Citizen science, awareness campaigns, and local monitoring support SDG 6 by protecting mountain water sources and accelerating clean water action.

A transformative action would be to ban PFAS-containing ski wax across the Alpine region and replace it with certified PFAS-free alternatives—enforced through regulation, supported by manufacturers, and promoted via tourism campaigns—to protect vital mountain water sources.

Pan African Vision for the Environment(PAVE)

domestication of the human rights to water and sanitation in countries laws

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

Inequity, climate stress, pollution, and weak governance block the right to water. Empowering communities and financing through community-based organization e.g. Water Resources Users’ Associations (WRUAs) is urgent to protect the vulnerable and secure resilience.

KeNAWRUA advances inclusive catchment governance, empowers WRUAs, promotes citizen science for water quality monitoring, and champions payment for ecosystem services to finance community-led solutions, protect the vulnerable, and accelerate SDG 6 and related SDGs.

Through the WRUAs Strengthening Programme, KeNAWRUA partners with Water Resources Authority, World Resources Institute, and local WRUAs to co-develop catchment plans, pilot payment for ecosystem services, and apply citizen science in water quality monitoring. This has enhanced local ownership, secured financing for restoration, and improved collaboration across government, CSOs, and communities.

By 2030, Governments, Private Sector and Development partners must scale sustained financing for community-led WRUAs, embedding citizen science and inclusive catchment governance in national water strategies. This transformative action will empower vulnerable groups, improve water quality, and accelerate realization of the human right to water and sanitation.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Post-2023, challenges include growing climate shocks intensifying water insecurity, inequities in access for displaced & vulnerable groups, rising competition from AI/data centres & industry, weak governance/finance, and gaps in safe sanitation—undermining human rights & resilience.

We deploy circular water-energy solutions (e.g., Solar2Water, textile wastewater reuse), foster inclusive pilots with women/youth, and apply AI-driven monitoring for equity and efficiency—advancing SDG6 while linking to SDG7, SDG13 and resilient livelihoods

Through the SAFECONOMY – Reinventing the Textile Circular Economy (FCDO-funded), we partner with Sapphire, WWF, academia & SMEs to deploy molecular distortion wastewater treatment. Pilots show >70% water reuse, reducing industrial pollution & costs. This academia–industry–policy model accelerates SDG6 while ensuring inclusion & scalability.

By 2030, governments—backed by UN & multilateral banks—must mandate and finance universal access to affordable, climate-resilient water & sanitation services, prioritizing vulnerable groups. This requires integrating human-rights frameworks with circular technologies, inclusive finance, and community-led monitoring to accelerate SDG6.

Desigualdade no acesso, impactos da crise climática, fragilidade institucional, insuficiência de investimentos e exclusão de grupos vulneráveis continuam a limitar o direito humano à água e ao saneamento, ampliados desde 2023 pela intensificação de eventos extremos.

Promoção da transversalização de gênero e equidade social nas políticas hídricas, fortalecimento da governança participativa, uso de dados integrados para monitoramento do ODS 6, , educação comunitária e inovação social para ampliar acesso seguro e sustentável à água e saneamento.

Relatório produzidos no âmbito da consultoria “Pré-piloto contextualização de Gênero da UN Water: Promovendo Análises Inclusivas e Sensíveis quanto à Gênero Relacionadas à Água e Saneamento”.

Governos nacionais, em cooperação com sociedade civil e organismos multilaterais, devem institucionalizar marcos legais que assegurem a universalização do direito à água e ao saneamento com enfoque interseccional, garantindo financiamento estável, monitoramento inclusivo e adaptação às mudanças climáticas, baseada em justiça social;

“Key challenges include persistent inequalities, climate impacts, financing gaps and water-related conflicts. A UN-led serious engagement on shared waters and binding mechanisms must be prioritized at the 2026 Conference.”

“Solutions include strengthening community engagement, innovating in water resource management, developing sustainable infrastructure, fostering regional cooperation on shared waters, and creating transparent monitoring mechanisms to advance SDG6 and related goals.”

“The ‘WATER for All’ initiative, co-led by local authorities and international partners, used low-cost innovations (solar filters, smart leak monitoring) to improve sustainable water and sanitation access for 50,000 rural people. Implemented with government, communities and private sector, it boosted resilience and reduced waterborne diseases.”

“By 2030, a transformative action is establishing a ‘Global Binding Framework for Shared Water Management,’ led by the UN with governments, private sector, and civil society. It would enhance cooperation, equitable access, and climate resilience, and should be promoted at the 2026 Conference.”

Limited water governance capacity, climate-driven scarcity, poor WASH infrastructure, and inequitable funding leave Lama’s remote and vulnerable groups underserved. Priorities: inclusive governance, climate-resilient systems, and sustainable finance for safe water and sanitation.

LDF promotes community-led WASH projects, climate-resilient water systems, hygiene education, rainwater harvesting, and women-led monitoring committees to track SDG 6 progress, ensuring inclusive access and long-term sustainability in remote Lama areas.

Planned Initiative: Lama WASH & Climate Resilience Program.
Approach: Partner with local govt, NGOs, and schools to pilot rainwater harvesting, community eco-toilets, and hygiene education.
Goal: Build women-led monitoring groups and strengthen local capacity to achieve SDG 6 in Lama.

Governments, donors, and civil society must co-create a national rural WASH resilience program by 2030—scaling climate-resilient water systems, financing women-led governance structures, and enabling real-time SDG 6 data monitoring to secure universal, equitable access in remote regions like Lama.

The Volunteer Team Foundation for Humanitarian Action

Limited access to safe water and sanitation in marginalized communities, climate-induced scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient financing and governance mechanisms continue to hinder universal access.

Integrated water management, community-led sanitation projects, digital monitoring of water quality, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure equitable access and track SDG 6 progress.

The “Water for All Initiative” engaged governments, NGOs, and local communities to deploy solar-powered water systems, improving access for 50,000 people. Collaborative monitoring dashboards track usage and quality, enabling data-driven interventions.

Governments and private sectors must co-invest in resilient, climate-adaptive water infrastructure and enforce inclusive policies, ensuring marginalized populations receive prioritized access to water and sanitation services.

Institute of Sustainability and Carbon Footprint LLC

Limited access to safe water and sanitation in marginalized communities, climate-induced scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient financing and governance hinder universal access

Integrated water management, community-led sanitation projects, digital monitoring, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure equitable access and track SDG 6 progress.

“Water for All Initiative” engaged governments, NGOs, and communities to deploy solar-powered water systems, improving access for 50,000 people. Collaborative monitoring dashboards track usage and quality, enabling data-driven interventions.

Governments and private sectors must co-invest in resilient, climate-adaptive water infrastructure and enforce inclusive policies, ensuring marginalized populations receive prioritized access to water and sanitation services.

"We restore mangrove forests to secure clean water, protect vulnerable communities, and support livelihoods. Using community-led action, tech monitoring, and sustainable models, we advance SDG 6 while boosting climate resilience, biodiversity, and local economies."

We restore mangroves to improve water quality, protect vulnerable coastal groups, and secure sanitation rights. Through community-led action, tech-based monitoring, and sustainable livelihoods, we advance SDG 6, climate resilience, biodiversity, and local economies."

Our ‘Mangrove for Water & Resilience’ initiative partners with communities, NGOs, research institutes, and local authorities to restore mangroves that filter water, prevent salinity, and secure sanitation rights. Using drone mapping and community stewardship, we improved water quality, strengthened livelihoods, and advanced SDG 6 through inclusive collaboration."

"Within the next few years, private organizations and communities must scale up mangrove restoration to improve water quality, ensure sanitation, and protect vulnerable coastal populations. Showcasing these nature-based, community-led solutions at the 2026 UN Water Conference can accelerate SDG 6 and build resilient ecosystems."

Water Workers Association of Kenya

the Water Workers Association of Kenya advances SDG6 by defending workers’ rights, promoting decent work, and embedding HRBA/LNOB in service delivery. We build worker capacity, co-create accountability tools, and ensure vulnerable groups access safe water and sanitation

Through UN-Habitat GWOPA WOPs, we improved Kenyan utilities on pro-poor service and NRW; with WPI–Canada, we strengthened staff capacity in equity, governance, and technical skills; and with Blue Community, we advanced rights-based water campaigns. These collaborations boosted worker skills, utility performance, and citizen engagement, accelerating SDG6.

By 2030, governments and partners must recognize water workers as rights defenders and invest in their decent work, skills, and safety. A global pact on worker-led accountability promoted at the 2026 UN Water Conference will transform service delivery and accelerate SDG6.

The conversation around climate action
often centers on policy, technology, and finance, a critical, and often overlooked,
dimension is the profound role of digital inclusion.

Digital tools enable
precision farming, access to digital agricultural extension services, and e-commerce platforms for selling climate resilient crops.

By developing low-cost, durable digital devices, creating simple and intuitive
digital platforms for essential services, and co-developing affordable connectivity
solutions. For example, off-grid telecom towers powered by solar energy could
serve remote communities, while tech companies could offer open-source climate
data APIs for local developers to build tailored applications.

A collaborative, open access platform
where climate data, adaptation best practices, and innovative digital tools can be
shared freely and responsibly by all stakeholders.

Since 2023, rising water–energy–food competition, emerging pollutants, digital divides in water management, and growing risks for displaced people have slowed progress on water rights issues needing priority at 2026 UN Water Conference

Narxoz advances SDG 6 via eco-campus measures (water stations, monitoring, sensor taps), integrated water education, UNECE-recognized research, student eco-projects, school outreach, and a Net-Zero 2060 commitment.

The “Sustainable Narxoz-2030” initiative combines eco-campus measures (water stations, monitoring, sensor taps), SDG-focused education, and UNECE-recognized research. Outcomes: reduced water use, student eco-projects, school outreach. Partners include UNECE, Chevron, schools, and local communities

By 2030, universal adoption of open digital water accounting systems, co-managed by governments, communities, and innovators, can transform water governance. Promoting this at the 2026 UN Water Conference will ensure transparency, equity, and accelerated SDG 6 progress

Shree Someshwar Education Trust

Availability of Fresh Drinkable Water is Dominated and controlled by Few Groups ( Water Mafia) at almost all levels of execution. Need Strict Global scale actions or alternatively supply like Decentralised Water Resources Management (Global Rainwater Management Program).

Decentralised Water Resources Management: The perfect proven and successfully example - Global Rainwater Management Program (GRMP) need to be adopted to make the humankind self-reliant for their waters wherever possible.

The key challenges are:
No intercommunication with the government or even private organization that can help.
Lack of technical maintenance if there is water system in place.
Marginalization.

Investing in sustainable water system then integrated water management and empowering local community to take ownership of the water and sanitation system.

Every government of all nations should see this as their primary responsibility because fingers are not equal not everybody can afford getting hygienic water for their own use.
People as well needed to be sensitized concerning their responsibility in protecting basic amenities like this, maintenance and cleanness involve.

Hygienic water is fundamental right for everyone to has access to, wherever you are living.

Desde CENAT-PRIAS se impulsa el trabajo en temas geoespaciales para reducir las brechas de acceso al agua en comunidades vulnerables, integrando datos satelitales, censales y locales para priorizar acciones con enfoque de derechos, ODS 6 y 10, y justicia territorial.

United Nature International Peace

Surface inland waters in urban areas are polluted heavily with domestic sewage and industrial effluents, and in rural areas with agricultural runoff.

Sri Lanka has made considerable progress on SDG 6. Data from 2016 suggests that around 88.8% of all households have access to safe drinking water, while 87% of the population possess on-site sanitation faciliteis.

Sri Lanka is working with Sri Lankan funders to improve the quality of life for the people in the district by providing them with safe drinking water and home gardens. The ‘Let them bloom: give them water’ project by UNIPUN has provided water to 29 schools.

Sri Lanka is working with Sri Lankan funders to improve the quality of life for the people in the district by providing them with safe drinking water and home gardens.

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Planning coming after area is developed my in context. Hence settlement become informal with high vulnerability to pollution and abuse. Lack of vision is second as many people construct without the vision of sustainability making accessibility challenging thus mismanagement of resource

Community base total sanitation where community is solely responsible for their sanitation as well as community base water management. In my context, the spirit of communism continue to depreciate hence advancing water challenges as every household try to construct their own well and now safety

First we have been talking more about ppp (public private partnership) in order to improve accountability, responsibility as well as integrity in the water management especially in informal settlements. Hence private management water, with close regulation of public sector and support of non government organisations. We turn to value better what we pay for, which is the principle I base

Since water is a human right, it's normal that government take lead in this action and then private sector lead operation and management as they turn to be more efficient in this. The government need to set a responsible and sustainable structure for water supply that response to the needs of the town with respect to carrying capacity and not current needs alone

GEMAR ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRADE LIMITED COMPANY

Climate-driven droughts, floods and water stress; inadequate infrastructure and maintenance; funding and technology gaps; pollution and microplastics; inequitable access for vulnerable groups; data gaps, weak governance, rapid urbanization, and water privatization.

Implementing AI-driven water demand forecasting, blockchain-based water rights tracking, and community-led microgrid irrigation systems to enhance equitable access, reduce losses, and ensure transparent management, supporting SDG 6 and climate-resilient local solutions.

Initiative: “Smart Water Management Program” – collaboration between local governments, NGOs, and universities. Smart sensors monitored water use efficiency, detecting leaks and overconsumption. Result: 20% water savings, decisions guided by data. Collaboration implemented via shared platforms and training programs.

Initiative: “Climate-Resilient Smart Water Network” – collaboration among local governments, NGOs, and universities. IoT sensors, AI, and community reporting apps monitored water use and leaks in real-time. Result: 30% water savings, inclusive access ensured, climate risks mitigated. Collaboration via digital platforms and trainings.

Ogoni youth alliance for climate change and sustainable development

In Ogoni land, key challenges include water contamination from pollution, limited access for vulnerable communities, inadequate sanitation, and ongoing environmental degradation. Post-2023, issues like climate impacts and resource exploitation must be prioritized for the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Our organization has implemented community-led water purification projects, promoted eco-friendly sanitation solutions, and established local monitoring systems. Also advocate for policies that protect water sources and ensure vulnerable groups access clean water, advancing SDG 6 and related goals.

The Ogoni Water Partnership brought local communities, NGOs, and government together to improve water access. Through innovative filtration and community training, water quality and access increased significantly. Strong leadership and multi-stakeholder collaboration accelerated progress toward SDG 6, fostering sustainable, inclusive solutions.

By 2030, governments must commit to integrating water and sanitation rights into national development plans, ensuring adequate funding and policies. Indigenous peoples should actively participate in decision-making. Strong leadership and international cooperation are essential to create enabling conditions and accelerate progress toward universal access.

International Helping For The Young

Addressing key post-2023 challenges, including those relevant to vulnerable populations:

Rising climate shocks, conflicts, and displacement since 2023 have worsened water insecurity, especially in vulnerable regions. Infrastructure gaps, poor governance, and funding shortfalls must be prioritized.

proposes cross-cutting, action-oriented, and pragmatic solutions:
We promote community-led water governance, solar-powered water systems, and inclusive WASH programs targeting displaced and rural populations. Data monitoring tools help track SDG 6 progress and guide adaptive planning.

character response highlighting an innovative partnership approach with evidence of results:

The 'WASH for Resilience' initiative in Chad unites local NGOs, UN agencies, and communities to deliver solar-powered water points and hygiene education in displacement camps. Since 2023, over 50,000 people gained access to safe water. Joint planning ensures sustainability and local ownership

suggesting a clear, transformative action:
Governments must institutionalize inclusive water governance by 2030—ensuring legal recognition of the human right to water and sanitation, with budgets targeting vulnerable groups. This shift, backed by civil society and donors, is key to systemic, lasting progress and should lead 2026 discussions.

Barokupot Ganochetona Foundation -BGF

“Key challenges include inequitable access for vulnerable populations, climate-induced water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, lack of data-driven monitoring, and limited financing for inclusive WASH programs—priorities for urgent discussion at the 2026 UN Water Conference.”

“We implement community-led water and sanitation programs, prioritize vulnerable groups, use digital monitoring for water quality, promote hygiene education, and partner with local governments to advance SDG 6 and related SDGs sustainably.”

“Through the ‘Community Water Guardians’ initiative, we partnered with local councils, women’s groups, and tech providers to install monitored water points. Data-driven tracking improved access for 5,000+ vulnerable residents, strengthened community leadership, and fostered collaborative management, accelerating SDG 6 outcomes.”

“Governments, in partnership with communities and private sector innovators, must scale inclusive, climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, prioritize vulnerable populations, and adopt real-time monitoring to ensure equitable access, accountability, and sustainable progress toward SDG 6 by 2030.”

Association for Farmers Rights Defense, AFRD

Key challenges include groundwater depletion and pollution, climate-driven water stress, inequitable access for vulnerable groups, weak governance, and financing gaps. Priorities must focus on groundwater protection, sustainable use, and inclusive rights-based approaches.

AFRD Georgia promotes groundwater protection through community monitoring, sustainable irrigation practices, ecosystem-based approaches, and youth engagement. We foster innovation via digital water data tools, partnerships, and rights-based policies advancing SDG 6 and related SDGs

Through the ‘Groundwater for Life’ initiative, AFRD Georgia partners with local authorities, farmers, and youth groups to monitor and protect aquifers. Using digital mapping and community-based water governance, we improved irrigation efficiency by 20% in pilot areas, strengthened rights-based access, and built multi-stakeholder collaboration for SDG 6 acceleration

By 2030, governments and UN agencies must establish a global framework for groundwater protection, integrating rights-based access with climate resilience. A transformative action is scaling community-led monitoring and equitable water governance, ensuring vulnerable groups benefit and SDG 6 targets are accelerated.

Lack of a systemic approach that integrates all users, exclusion of vulnerable groups, insufficient funding, climate crises, and weak governance and accountability, lack of equitable access for all, especially women, girls, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

We apply research from Indigenous Knowledge traditions to address complex social and ecological challenges. We promote inclusive, respectful cooperation, integrating cultural, spiritual, and Indigenous science perspectives in guiding research, and support informed decision-making.

Through Indigenous diplomacy, we have joined major conferences to showcase Indigenous Peoples’ Earth observations of the water cycle. Our work fosters collaboration among Indigenous communities, scientists, and policymakers, backed by published research that advances SDG 6 by integrating Indigenous knowledge into water management and decision-making.

It is necessary to adopt an inclusive approach that fully integrates Indigenous Earth observations. This provides precise, science-based, multi-decadal evidence of hydrological cycle changes.

Meeting minimum standard of water quality for the people those are poor and marginalised has been a challenge for developing world which led to use contaminated water, water with trace elements like cadmium, arsenic, lid etc, which if exposed long can result cancer and other diseases.

We have been supporting communities those exposed top flood with raised handpump to avoid using flooded water, build local capacity on water use during flood situation.

Cost effective water filter system, protection water sources from external contamination

Water supply agencies to be honest, and provide clean water safe for drinking to the general people.

Simon Fraser University, Pacific Water Research Centre

Key challenges: 1. Lack of adequate investment and policy prioritization at the national level; 2. Missing nexus between safe drinking and climate adaptation and resilience; 3. Insufficient human, institutional, and technological capacity for implementing solutions.

Solutions: 1. Capacity building at the human, institutional, and technological levels; 2. Creating South-to-South collaborations for exchange of ideas; 3. Dissemination of success stories, particularly focused on scaling up solutions.

Partnerships: Engaging in the Dushanbe Water Conferences, triggering new partnerships.

Transformative Action: The UN General Assembly should establish a UN Intergovernmental Committee on Water and Sanitation, as proposed by UNSGAB in its final report in 2015.

Student Business Organization for Sustainable Development (SBOSD))

The following challenge has been identified in my efforts in rural potable water provisions: 1. Deprived communities find it difficult to pay the monthly electricity bill associated with the mechanized boreholes - I therefore suggest support with solar panels,

Our organization has resolved to solicit for funds to provide the rural boreholes with solar panels to ensure cheap and reliable power supply for the pumps to transfer water to the tanks always.

Our organization has now resolved to implement SBOSD-Community participatory water projects to ensure inclusive and ownership of projects by the communities to ensure projects sustainability and proper management.

Our organization (SBOSD), from hence will involve the community to provide their labor force , if not financial in all our water projects for the rural communities. We shall make the community undertake training on maintenance and rehabilitation of projects.

Growing climate shocks, inequitable access in vulnerable communities, weak financing for sanitation, fragmented data systems, and pollution from plastics/microplastics hinder realization of the human right to safe water.

We deploy blockchain-secured data and tokenized incentives to empower vulnerable coastal communities, improve sanitation-linked marine health, ensure transparent water/seafood supply chains, and create measurable progress toward SDG 6 and related SDGs.

BlueToken Trace & Restore links fishers, NGOs, scientists & authorities through tokenized rewards and blockchain data for conservation and sanitation-linked marine health. Early pilots in Greece show improved data reliability, reduced IUU fishing, and stronger coastal community engagement toward SDG 6.

By 2030, governments must adopt incentive-based digital platforms that reward communities for conservation and sanitation actions, secured by transparent data systems. This transformative action links human rights to water with economic opportunity, ensuring equity, accountability, and accelerated SDG 6 progress.

Currently, access to water and sanitation especially in deprived and conflict-stricken areas is a major concern. Places like Gaza and Mariupol come to mind. The situation seems to worsen every day, with fundamental access to basic livelihood and survival needs cut off.

Considering SDG 6 and in line with fundamental human rights to access basic water and sanitation, the CSIR-Water Research Institute and the Environmental Biology and Health Division have engaged in several individual and coordinated WASH projects within local communities.

The Water Research Institute has coordinated with some international bodies such as the European Union in its WIDER UPTAKE project of Water smart solutions, where I served as a research technician to trial innovative, cost-effective and renewable methods of water and wastewater use. Again, the Institute has proposed ways to restoring Ghana's waterbodies affected by illegal mining.

For the objective to be realized by 2030, international organizations and businesses need to coordinate with local governments and prioritize social responsibilities that include providing safe, clean, and accessible water to the communities not only where they operate but where they have reputable markets. This concerted effort could be far-reaching and speed the realization of Water for People.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

principaux obstacles identifiés : Défis structurels et environnementaux ; défis politiques et économiques; Défis sanitaires et humains et défis résiliences : Catastrophes naturelles , Urbanisation rapide

Solutions orientées vers l’action :Approche intégrée de gestion des ressources en eau ; Mobilisation communautaire et intelligence collective ; Utilisation des technologies collaboratives ; Adaptation aux changements climatiques et Gouvernance inclusive et transparente.

Approche holistique en milieu rural : Les partenariats permettent de combler le retard en matière d’accès à l’eau entre zones urbaines et rurales, en intégrant les dimensions sociales, économiques et environnementales. sous le fonds levé chez les membres de ACE Ceci dans les écoles avec le wash in scool

la réutilisation des eaux usées traitées
Pour surmonter les défis liés à l’accès universel à l’eau d’ici 2030, l’une des mesures les plus transformatrices est le développement massif de la réutilisation des eaux usées traitées. Cette approche consiste à recycler les eaux usées après traitement pour des usages multiples

Action for Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection for Communities (ASDEPCO)

Crisis in Anglophones regions of Cameroon has limited access to potable water supply to the affected population. Poor waste management as most households dump watse into water bodies. Others are: inadequate infrastructure, deforestation, poor water quality and safety, poor governance

Clearn up campaigs, environmental education, catchment protection, tree planting, organization and training of community water management committes, capacity building, redesigning of water projects to ease access to persons with disabilities, policy advocacy.

ASDEPCO Cameroon collaborate with other organizations and institutions to create stable and sustainable environment for communities. We partner with local networks, create water management committes to manage water systems in communities, train village development committes and municipal Councils. Also we are member of WASH cluster. In partnership with Global Water Partnership Central Africa.

Conflict in Gaza since 2023 has destroyed water systems, blocked aid and fuel, and left refugees with <5L/day. Unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel disease outbreaks. 2026 must prioritize protection, access, and SDG6 inclusion for displaced populations.

I advocate innovative WASH solutions for refugees, including solar-powered desalination, emergency water trucking, and digital monitoring tools, while promoting protection of water rights and stronger SDG6 accountability in conflict settings.

The Blue Peace Middle East initiative builds cross-border water cooperation. By uniting governments, civil society & academia, it enabled joint monitoring, data-sharing & NbS pilots, strengthening resilience & accelerating SDG6 in fragile settings.

By 2030, states and donors must guarantee protection of water infrastructure in conflict zones under international law, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and fund resilient WASH systems for refugees. This transformative action secures water rights, advances SDG6, and upholds human dignity.

South Asia Young Women in Water (SAYWiW)

Persistent inequities in access, underfunded WASH systems, weak accountability for the human right to water, data gaps on marginalized groups, and limited inclusion of youth and women in decision-making threaten progress and demand urgent focus at the 2026 UN Water Conference.

We foster knowledge exchange and leadership among young women in South Asia’s water sector, creating safe platforms across geopolitically sensitive zones to drive cooperation, shared prosperity, and collective action for advancing SDG 6 and related SDGs.

Through our South Asia Water Dialogues series, SAYWiW partners with the leading regional organizations of the sector and regional youth to bridge policy, practice, and lived experience. This innovative cross-border platform amplifies marginalized voices, drives regional cooperation, and equips young women leaders to accelerate SDG 6 progress.

By 2030, governments while working with youth- and women-led organizations must institutionalize community-led water governance that embeds the human right to water in national policies, financing, and accountability systems. This transformative shift would ensure inclusive decision-making and accelerate SDG 6 for all.

Worsening climate impacts, loss of water bodies, dumping of pollutants in the rivers, limited access to drinking water for marginalised people, water pricing gap, scarcity of water in urban spaces.

Improved governance, policy interventions, riverbed excavations, dredging, better drainage, sanitation at low cost

"Safe sanitation for dignity" project saw 200+ villages with improved hygiene and open defecation going down by 60%. In this project women's co-operatives, NGOs and local governments came together to design low-cost, gender-friendly toilets.

Governments must ensure enhanced access for marginalised people to drinking water and pricing water accordingly (more to the ones that use it more). Sanitation should be improved and more recycling plants should be introduced so that rivers don't get overflowed by sewer.

Public Health Aid Awareness & Education Organization

Since 2023, progress on water and sanitation rights is hindered by climate-driven water scarcity, conflict-damaged infrastructure, inadequate financing and political will, and data gaps that limit monitoring and access for vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Water insecurity and poor WASH in schools/clinics fuel period poverty: no safe toilets, water, or disposal -> missed classes, infections, stigma, GBV risks. Rights language exists, but budgets, disaggregated data, and grievance paths are weak; especially for girls and persons with disabilities.

Pilot a Period Poverty–Water Insecurity package: (1) Rights-to-Budget Traceability Index for school/clinic WASH; (2) MHM indicators—water, privacy, disposal, pad supply, teacher training; (3) community grievance SLAs. Co-design with ministries/utilities/CSOs; align to SDG6 GAF; publish dashboards.

Global Water Promise/The .Period Poverty Project have piloted school MHM engagement: facility/privacy audits, pad-supply tracking, student/teacher surveys, and simple budget trace tables to district assemblies. Ready partners: Ministries of Water/Education/Health, utilities/regulators, head teachers, women's groups, UNICEF, UN-Women, WaterAid.

Adopt the package in three countries/cities (2026–2028): ministries of Water/Education with utilities, regulators, school boards, CSOs and women’s groups. Finance performance-based upgrades (nearby water points, private toilets, disposal rooms), integrate reusable pad supply chains, and enforce grievance SLAs; publish HRWS budget-to-outcome dashboards.

Due to climate change water is scare for people to use, where human activities taking place in deforestation, logging and many destroy the supply of fresh water for people to drink. Soil erosion is another factor that contaminated water for drinking. Also the distance to collect water

Creating awareness for safe drinking and do tree nursery to replant promoting safety of drinking.

Working withPNGBCF throught New Zealand Aid and managed by UNDP for project in tree nursery and rural water supply project for safe drinking in the community. We also have planted 1500 natives trees that support climate change to protect our water for drinking.

So alot of awareness, establishment of rural water supply with mini house hold water purisystem. Promote reforestation

Since 2023, progress on the human right to water and sanitation has been hindered by climate shocks, conflicts, economic crises, rapid urbanization, and underinvestment, leaving vulnerable groups, especially in rural and fragile settings without safe, reliable services.

We apply digital mapping, geodata, and AI tools to track water access gaps, promote solar-powered community systems, and build local capacity. By linking data to policy and value chains, we support inclusive solutions that advance SDG 6 and strengthen resilience.

Through the Digital Water Access Initiative with Ghana COCOBOD and local NGOs, we applied geodata and AI to map rural water points and guide solar-powered irrigation pilots. This partnership improved efficiency, supported 500+ farmers, and fostered collaboration among government, private sector, and communities to advance SDG 6.

By 2030, governments must commit to universal access through national digital water monitoring systems integrated with financing from multilateral banks and private partners. This transformative action will ensure transparency, direct resources to vulnerable groups, and accelerate SDG 6 progress.

Centre de Formations Etudes et Recherches pour le Développement

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Since 2011, our organization has been actively involved in water access in the rural areas. In Kitsaka Village, in the Kongo Central Province, we undertook drilling and borehole rehabilitation projects funded by a local NGO.

We have pictures as evidences of the work we did with a local NGO partner Actions Ponctuelles pour le Développement. Our leadership was critical in writing the project, training with local Territory authorities in Kinzau-Mvuete, meetings with traditional chiefs of six villages and the inhabitants in water sanitation, clean water and sanitation, rights to water access, and SDGs (1, 6, and 11.)

Access to water is important, but keeping water clean is equally important. Empowering beneficiaries through training and equip them with necessary materials for maintaining the quality of water is a must. People are dying because of waterborne diseases due to lack of knowledge. Economic empowerment also can induce transformative action to enable the cost of water access and sanitation.

A key challenge is the persistent siloed approach to the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus in policy and finance. Post-2023 commitments have failed to translate into integrated, bankable projects that attract investment, especially at the local level.

Our organization promotes "nexus thinking" at the community level. We are evolving our 'Kankyo Cafe' into a 'Water-Energy-Food Cafe', using AI to simulate how local water conservation enhances food and energy security, fostering integrated grassroots solutions.

Transformative Action: Major development banks (World Bank, ADB) must mandate a comprehensive WEF nexus impact assessment for all water infrastructure financing. By Whom: Multilateral Development Bank leadership. This will force a systemic shift from siloed investments to integrated, prosperity-focused planning.

Key challenges include rising water stress from climate change, inequities in access for vulnerable groups, underfunded WASH systems, pollution from rapid urbanization, and weak governance. Post-2023, debt crises and shrinking climate finance further hinder scaling rights-based, resilient solutions.

IWF advances SDG 6 through community-led springshed revival, women-led WASH monitoring, and partnerships for climate-resilient water systems. By integrating water with health, energy, and livelihoods, we scale nexus-based models that ensure equity, resilience, and inclusive progress.

Jal Jeevan Mission demonstrates accelerated SDG 6 progress through a partnership-driven model engaging governments, civil society, women’s SHGs, and communities. By 2025, it delivered safe tap water to over 150 million rural households. The convergence with health, education, and livelihoods, and local ownership ensured scale, resilience, and inclusivity.

By 2030, governments must institutionalize universal, rights-based WASH services through legally binding national frameworks, backed by climate-resilient infrastructure, gender-responsive financing, and community ownership. This transformative action anchored in public accountability will secure equitable water access, protect vulnerable groups, and maximize SDG 6 impact.

Across Africa, unreliable supply, unsafe water, and poor sanitation—seen in water shedding in South Africa and cholera outbreaks elsewhere—undermine human rights. Vulnerable groups in rural and urban areas face the greatest risks, deepening inequality and health burdens.

Blessman International has drilled 92 boreholes and installed full water systems with storage and drip irrigation for gardens and poultry at preschools. We also advanced sanitation by replacing pit latrines with 350 waterless composting toilets, improving health and dignity.

Leveraging private–philanthropic partnerships and digital innovation, we mobilize funding and improve accountability. Corporate partners co-finance rural water systems, while philanthropic donors invest in sanitation. Smart meters with SIM cards track 37M+ gallons delivered, ensuring transparency and advancing SDG 6.

Adopt national, results-based WASH financing that pays NGOs and local firms for verified outcomes (service uptime, smart-metered volumes) in underserved areas. Governments/regulators and Development Finance Institutions set standards and targeted subsidies; private capital and civil society deliver at scale—protecting vulnerable groups.

Fragmented governance and underinvestment hinder universal access, especially for vulnerable groups.

Blended finance (Water Access Impact Tool Economist Impact), youth empowerment (IWA Grundfos Youth Fellowship), and digital tools for monitoring SDG 6.

IWA–Grundfos Youth Fellowship: Youth-led advocacy at UN2023, new leadership pipeline, and city-level pilots. Creation of the Youth Accountability Framework.

Global commitment to integrated water governance, led by multilateral actors and private sector.

Historical context, living history, and heritage practices are not sufficiently recognized in light of their role to facilitate the implementation of nature-based solutions and participatory processes.

Established a platform for connecting, water, culture, heritage and sustainable development through open-access peer-reviewed journal Blue Papers and capacity building tools such as open-access online courses and hands-on workshops.

The UNESCO Chair Water, Ports and Historic Cities (Chair Holder: Carola Hein) has set up a number of initiatives to connect water, culture, heritage, and sustainable development, including through 7 published issues of Blue Papers where academics and professionals collaborate, showcase their insights, and develop policy recommendations.

Invite politicians and policy makers to carefully assess historic practices and living heritage and their role across scales, through time and based on cultural values that facilitate sustainable living

Escola de Educação Infantil Crescendo Sempre V

A educação ambiental na primeira infância ainda é pouco valorizada. Trabalhar com crianças de 0 a 3 anos mostrou que elas podem compreender e cuidar do planeta. É preciso investir em políticas inclusivas e formação de educadores para garantir o direito à água desde cedo.

Promovemos educação ambiental desde a primeira infância, capacitando educadores e envolvendo famílias. Usamos atividades lúdicas para ensinar o valor da água, contribuindo para o avanço do ODS 6 com inclusão e consciência desde os primeiros anos de vida.

A iniciativa “Gota d’Água” envolveu crianças de 0 a 3 anos em ações educativas sobre o cuidado com a água. Com apoio de educadores e famílias, promovemos consciência ambiental desde a primeira infância. A colaboração entre escola, comunidade e gestão pedagógica fortaleceu o avanço do ODS 6 localmente.

Governos e instituições educacionais devem investir em políticas públicas que incluam educação ambiental desde a primeira infância. Formar crianças conscientes sobre o valor da água é uma ação transformadora que fortalece sociedades saudáveis e acelera o avanço do ODS 6.

Innovative solutions:
• Smart grants, TA & impact-linked finance helping local SMEs scale and improve resilience: 935 enterprises supported, 911,414 people trained, 3,516 jobs created.
• Partnerships with 15 local financial institutions since 2020 increased access finance for 1,000+ water SMEs.

The Impact-Linked Fund for WASH is an innovative finance programme providing Impact-Linked Finance to water and sanitation enterprises in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It incentivises SMEs to scale and achieve additional impact through Social Impact Incentives, Impact-Linked Loans and tailored TA. It has closed 8 transactions, supported 25+ SMEs with TA and trained 11 local TA providers.

Facilitating SME access to climate finance to strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and growth of private water and sanitation providers. Large donors and philanthropies should enable this, encouraging foundations and NGOs to include such criteria in their water interventions. Resilient solutions are essential to reduce costs, expand outreach, and provide sustainable, safe access to water.

More frequent and intense floods, droughts, erratic rainfall undermine access to safe water and sanitation for vulnerable populations. In addition to the above, War, displacement and damaged infrastructure (e.g. Gaza) hamper rights to water/sanitation in conflict zones.

Resilient40 advances SDG 6 by amplifying youth-led, Africa-driven solutions: promoting climate-resilient WASH systems, elevating voices of vulnerable groups in governance, leveraging digital monitoring for accountability and linking water justice with debt relief, equity and climate action.

Resilient40 Climate Cafés Led by Resilient40 (African and diaspora youth network) in partnership with Force of Nature run by Volunteers, youth hosts in local communities across many countries in Africa. Created safe, accessible local spaces (“cafés”) for open conversations about climate change (SDG 6) and its impacts (including mental health), Offered micro-grants to overcome financial barriers.

A transformative action is for African governments, supported by youth-led networks like Resilient40, to establish climate-resilient, rights-based WASH compacts - binding commitments linking water access with debt relief, climate finance and equity. This ensures vulnerable groups’ voices shape policy and unlocks sustainable investment by 2030.

Fundación Mexicana René Mey associate civil

Key challenges include inequality in access, lack of sustainable funding, impacts of climate change, water source pollution, weak governance, and the exclusion of vulnerable communities, which limits progress towards the universal right to water and sanitation.

promoting inclusive governance for equitable access, investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, and improving wastewater management to ensure availability, affordability, and quality for all people, prioritizing vulnerable groups and holding governments accountable for progress on SDG 6

The “Community Water Resilience Initiative” unites local governments, NGOs, and tech partners to deliver solar-powered water systems in rural areas. Results: 30% increase in safe access, reduced reliance on costly tanker water. Collaborative leadership ensures sustainability and inclusivity.

A transformative action is a significant increase in public and private financing, led by national governments and international financial institutions, to accelerate implementation of local water and sanitation programs and ensure universal access by 2030, especially for vulnerable groups, according to the Water for People strategy "Destination 2030

Equitable encompassing fair access to water and sanitation for all, including vulnerable groups

UNIVERSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Massive climate-exacerbated finance gap for infrastructure and reforming exclusionary governance. We must urgently integrate human rights principles into global climate adaptation funding and ensure meaningful participation of the most vulnerable populations displaced by conflict and climate shocks

Acknowledging water/sanitation as a human right, our organization develops and deploys inclusive, tech-driven solutions for vulnerable populations. We foster multi-stakeholder partnerships to build resilient WASH systems, integrate climate adaptation, and empower communities and build capacity
.

The University for Development Studies (UDS), Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Department of Environment, Water, and Waste Engineering have collaborated with organizations, and they are heavily involved in water quality monitoring and research, while the Students' Representative Council (SRC) has also launched its own water projects to address campus water needs.

Employ strategies that focus on empowering communities with the technical expertise, financial planning, and robust governance structures. The commitment to achieving water seeks to transform lives, leading to profound improvements in public health, economic opportunity, educational outcomes, and overall human dignity, embodying their powerful vision of achieving "water for all, forever.

Fragmented governance and weak O&M capacity; deteriorating source water quality; affordability gaps for the poorest; climate-driven extremes stressing services; limited local data & monitoring; finance bottlenecks for resilient WASH and wastewater reuse.

IdWA scales capacity (Water Engineer training), brokers industry–government pilots for reuse and NRW reduction, advances AWS/Water-Positive practices, convenes policy roundtables (DSDAN), develops low-cost monitoring & data sharing, and mobilizes PPP/blended finance for resilient WASH.

IdWA’s “Water Engineer” academy + AWS/Water-Positive partnership: co-training and pilots (industrial reuse, NRW reduction, resilient WASH) with utilities, industry, academia and DSDAN. Evidence: repeat cohorts, member-replicated pilots, adopted SOPs, and policy roundtables informing SDG-6; enabled by MoUs, shared toolkits, and open clinics.

Launch an Indonesia Water-Positive Compact (by 2026), co-led by Government/DSDAN with IdWA, utilities, industry, cities and donors: AWS-aligned targets (universal, affordable services; source protection; reuse; NRW <20%); PPP/blended finance; a national data & O&M capacity platform; annual disclosure—scaling rights-based, climate-resilient WASH by 2030.

Ocean Sewage Alliance, A Project of Multiplier

Key challenges are political will and available funds. We've discovered that monies are often available to deploy sanitation solutions; however, those monies are not being allocated for these purposes largely due to political will and conflicting priorities.

We have completed a cost of inaction econometric study to calculate the financial losses across four countries that are attributable to sewage and wastewater pollution.

In collaboration with member states, our organization is preparing to introduce a call for a Global Sewage Treaty. This commitment will establish transparency for polluting countries and accountability for enforcing solutions.

Progress is hindered by inequities, climate impacts, and weak governance. Since 2023, migration and crises have deepened gaps. Addressing these requires not just infrastructure, but leadership rooted in trust, inclusion, and values-driven action.

Paxaterra Global advances SDG 6 by promoting values-driven leadership frameworks that equip communities to embed water stewardship into daily decisions, foster inclusive dialogue, and build resilient cultures linking human dignity with sustainable resource management.

Through Lead with Soul Dialogues, Paxaterra Global partners with civic groups and educators to embed water stewardship in leadership culture. By fostering cross-sector trust and inclusive dialogue, communities report stronger collaboration, shared accountability, and early adoption of sustainable practices supporting SDG 6.

By 2030, governments and local leaders must embed the human right to water into national strategies, pairing infrastructure with values-driven leadership. Prioritizing trust, inclusion, and cross-sector collaboration will create the enabling culture needed to ensure equitable, resilient access for all.

Key challenges include worsening climate impacts, water scarcity, inequitable access for vulnerable groups, weak governance, and financing gaps. Since 2023, rising urban pressures, pollution, and digital/data divides demand urgent focus at the 2026 UN Water Conference.

WEC promotes community-led water stewardship, rainwater harvesting, and sanitation drives in schools; leverages youth networks for awareness; uses digital mapping to monitor access; and partners with local bodies to ensure equity, resilience, and SDG 6 progress.

WEC’s ‘Clean Water, Healthy Communities’ initiative links schools, NGOs & local bodies to install rainwater harvesting, low-cost filters & sanitation units. It has improved access for 20,000+ people in rural India. Youth leaders drive awareness, while digital tools track progress, fostering inclusive SDG 6 partnerships.

By 2030, governments must mandate universal safe water and sanitation access as a legal right, backed by climate-resilient infrastructure. A global fund co-led by UN, states, civil society & private sector should prioritize vulnerable groups, ensuring equity, innovation, and accountability for SDG 6.

Défis prioritaires : inégalités d’accès pour les populations vulnérables, pollution croissante des ressources, financement insuffisant, gouvernance fragmentée, impacts du climat et lente mise en œuvre des engagements de 2023.

Solutions transversales : partenariats public-privé, suivi communautaire des indicateurs ODD 6, technologies mobiles pour la cartographie des besoins, toilettes écologiques, et plateformes numériques pour la transparence et la mobilisation citoyenne.

L’initiative « Vivacités » (OIF–IFDD) renforce l’intégration locale des ODD en Afrique de l’Ouest via des outils de planification, des formations et des financements. Elle mobilise collectivités, société civile et experts, avec un leadership francophone et des résultats concrets dans 8 pays.

D’ici 2030, une action transformatrice clé serait la création de fonds régionaux inclusifs pour l’eau et l’assainissement, gérés par des coalitions multi-acteurs (États, ONG, entreprises, communautés), avec des mécanismes transparents, des indicateurs de vulnérabilité, et un suivi participatif.

Équité : garantir l’accès universel à l’eau et à l’assainissement, sans discrimination.

JAHAZI EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Key challenges include climate-induced water scarcity, weak governance and financing gaps, inadequate WASH infrastructure in vulnerable communities, pollution of water sources, and slow progress in implementing commitments made at the 2023 UN Water Conference

We promote community-led water harvesting (pans/sand dams), solar-powered water systems, hygiene education, and inclusive WASH planning. We partner with local actors to monitor SDG 6 progress, strengthen governance, and ensure sustainable access for vulnerable groups.

Initiative: Mt. Kulal Community Water Resilience Program – A partnership with local youth groups, county government, and NGOs to build sand dams and solar water systems. This has improved year-round water access for 5,000+ people, strengthened local leadership, and fostered joint planning, monitoring, and WASH training.

Governments must prioritize inclusive water governance by investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure and empowering communities to co-manage resources. This transformative action will ensure equitable access, strengthen accountability, and accelerate SDG 6 progress by 2030.

having Saudi Arabia as SDG6 Country Acceleration - Case Study, would be relevant to have the long term lessons learned to be adopted as applicable in other countries in need.

Persistent inequalities in access to safe water and sanitation, climate shocks (droughts/floods), weak infrastructure in rural/indigenous areas, and lack of inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in water governance have deepened since 2023.”

BRO implements primary water access, solar boreholes, WASH programs, and inclusive governance with women and youth, while building partnerships and innovation to advance SDG 6.”

BRO, as a founding member of the Water Unity Network (WUN), partners with Primary Water Technologies and SELF.org to deliver solar-powered boreholes and WASH services. This collaboration strengthens water security for vulnerable communities and advances inclusive SDG 6 implementation.”

Governments, UN agencies, and civil society must guarantee universal access to safe, affordable water for vulnerable communities, strengthen community-led water infrastructure, ensure accountability in governance, and place marginalized groups at the center of national water strategies.

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

In Indian context, access to safely managed water and sanitation services remains a challenge. This results from poor sustainability of the resource and infrastructure, lack of proper O&M, and capacity building. The dialogue should try to address these issues.

For safely managed WASH services, we have undertaken climate risk assessment to the WASH services, highlighted the districts or provinces in India that are at risk, and indicators that needs improvement. Such assessment needs mainstreaming

We have undertaken three such collaborative stakeholders' driven process. First is the Climate Induced Risk Assessment to WASH Services; Second is the Flood Risk Management Action Planning; and Third is the Treated Used Water Reuse Planning.

The foremost is to ensure the long term sustainability of water sources so that the demand can be met. In Indian context, this essentially means shift to surface water based sources in areas where groundwater is over extracted or is enable to provide year-round water supply.

Center for Scientific and Technical Research on Arid Regions CRSTRA

Persistent inequalities in access to safe water and sanitation, rising pressures from climate change in arid regions, groundwater over-exploitation, and lack of inclusive governance for vulnerable communities remain critical barriers since 2023.

We are developing a digital groundwater monitoring platform combining geophysics, AI, and community participation to improve equitable water access, prevent over-exploitation, and strengthen resilience in vulnerable arid regions, advancing SDG 6.

The “Infonappe” initiative in Algeria uses geophysics, AI, and local partnerships to monitor groundwater. Led by researchers with community and municipal collaboration, it improves water allocation, reduces drilling costs, and builds resilience in arid zones, advancing SDG 6.

By 2030, governments and international partners must ensure universal deployment of digital water monitoring systems integrating AI, geophysics, and community engagement. This transformative action will secure equitable access, protect vulnerable groups, and accelerate SDG 6 implementation.

Water Utility Monitoring and Support Organization (Non provit NGO)

Providing quality and quantity water and sanitation for all community with considering poorest of poor .Assurance of providing quality water with introducing quality management system to ground level community

I worked as CEO/GM for National Water Supply Board and implemented many water projects with assistance Asian Development Bank ,world bank etc. However ,sustainability of those schemes still an issue.The funding agency should give a high priority for Sustainability while implementing projects

urban,semi-urban or rural water supply projects must require user involvement during planning ,construction and maintenance periods.Without user involvement any project are not successful

use of information technology in water management ,should comprehensively used by planners,implementers ,operators and user community.As a example real time quality and quantity mongering should be a part of any water system with advance IT applications

user Involvement and Apply advance information Technology (IT)

Corruption and malfeasance are a key challenge, diverting billions from water and sanitation, inflating costs, delaying projects, delivering dysfunctional infrastructure, pushing up O&M costs, with associated social, economic and environmental impacts.

WIN works with utilities to improve integrity practices particularly in informal settlements. Cf the case study of work with Sedapal.

WIN works with utilities to improve integrity in informal settlements. Cf the work with Sedapal in Lima and the related online training developed through an innovative partnership between WIN, Sedapal, communities and academics.

Improve integrity and transparency in the use of finances for water and sanitation, including transparency on a) budgets and b) expenditure, in a way that civil society can engage with and understand

Initiative de Promotion de l'éducation des Batwa pour le Développement Durable (IPREBAD)

Persistent exclusion of Indigenous Peoples and rural poor from water infrastructure, worsening climate shocks, pollution of local sources, weak financing, and inadequate recognition of customary land and water rights since 2023.

IPREBAD promotes community-led water access, trains Batwa families on hygiene and rainwater harvesting, advocates for inclusive SDG 6 policies, and partners with local authorities to install shared sanitation and protect natural water sources.

Through “Water for Dignity,” IPREBAD works with communes, women cooperatives and local NGOs to build rainwater tanks and eco-sanitation points in Batwa settlements. This improved access for over 300 households and strengthened dialogue with authorities.

Governments and donors must co-design water programs with Indigenous and marginalized communities, ensuring funding, land rights recognition and localized infrastructure to guarantee universal access and accountability under SDG 6

Key challenges include widening inequalities in WASH access, climate shocks disrupting water security, financing gaps for resilient infrastructure, weak governance and accountability, and emerging health risks from unsafe water in vulnerable and rapidly growing communities.

Waterlight Save Initiative deploys solar-powered boreholes, promotes community-led WASH programs, leverages tech for monitoring access, builds partnerships for financing, and integrates hygiene education to advance SDG 6, resilience, and equity in vulnerable communities.

Our Solar-Powered Community Borehole Initiative with USAID, UN partners, and local governments delivers safe water to vulnerable communities. It has reached 10M+ children in Nigeria and over 120m across Africa, reduced waterborne diseases, empowered women, and built local capacity through inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration.

A transformative action is for governments and global financiers to scale investment in climate-resilient, community-led water systems, with mandatory inclusion of vulnerable groups. This ensures sustainable WASH access, strengthens accountability, and accelerates SDG 6 achievement by 2030.

Persistent inequities in water and sanitation access, worsened by climate shocks, underfunding, and weak accountability, leave the vulnerable behind. Post-2023, urgency lies in prioritizing affordability, accountability, and people-centered innovations.

JB Dondolo prioritizes access, affordability, and inclusion with its water tech innovation Climate-H2O. We integrate monitoring, advocacy, and partnerships to scale impact and advance SDG 6 with sustainable, people-first solutions.

Climate-H2O, a JB Dondolo–UJ Peets partnership, centers affordability & inclusion in water tech innovation. Alongside Music for Water advocacy, we mobilize leaders, youth & communities. Evidence: strong stakeholder buy-in, global awareness campaigns & upcoming pilot rollout to scale SDG 6 impact.

Transformative action requires world leaders to finally treat clean water as non-negotiable. By 2030, governments must enshrine water as a human right in law, fund inclusive tech like Climate-H2O, and hold industries accountable. Water justice for the vulnerable is the pathway to healthy, resilient societies.

Water in Oasis should be for the people who leaving on it, not for the mining companies.

To expand the plans in Water related diseases issues, Victor controls, especially mosquitoes breedng control

Awareness campaign: using water or toilet papers and hand washing with soap after.

malu global water for all the people

water is life and no one should be denied water for all its the spirit, the souls and divinity of humanity for all to live and survived till death do us aparts

without water we are all death , its like the air, its daily basic to live and survive

every beings is entitled to drink water and survived and no one should be left alone not to take water as a life savings too

start water in all the lovcal villages, town , house and home . city , state nation , country to boost water programmes for all living and non living beigns, education on water, irrigation and water for all

feed all with water for all the people to free all from bondages, chains and mindset

UNESCO Association Guwahati, India

Key challenges include climate-driven water stress, inequitable access in rural/urban slums, sanitation gaps for women and vulnerable groups, groundwater overuse, pollution, weak governance and financing deficits, critical for 2026 UN Water Conference.

Expanding community-led water management, safe sanitation for women and slums, rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, digital monitoring, nature-based solutions, and partnerships to strengthen equity, resilience and SDG 6 progress across sectors.

Through the Jal Jeevan Mission, India partners with local governments, NGOs and communities to deliver tap water to rural households. Community-led monitoring, women’s water committees and tech-based dashboards improved coverage from <20% in 2019 to over 70% by 2024, showcasing scalable, inclusive SDG 6 progress.

By 2030, a transformative action is universal safe water access through community-led governance of resources, backed by government investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, digital monitoring and inclusive financing. Promoted at 2026 UN Water Conference, this ensures equity and accelerates SDG 6.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

In the Greater Bay Area, uneven access for migrants and informal communities, ageing infrastructure, climate-driven droughts and floods, weak cross-border coordination and financing gaps since 2023 still hinder rights-based water and sanitation in the Pearl River Delta peri-urban and rural zones.

We promote inclusive WASH law reforms, cross-border research in the Pearl River Basin, community data-mapping with NGOs, and training for policymakers on affordability, ageing estates, migrants and climate resilience to support SDG 6 monitoring and regional cooperation.

The Hong Kong Government Research Grants Council is funding a study on Pearl River stakeholder cooperation arrangements in the Greater Bay Area to improve water security through fair and equitable access, environmental sustainability and coordinated action across different administrative systems, involving governments, NGOs and local communities, with findings guiding regional policy reforms.

Asian governments, including China and Hong Kong, must embed the rights to water and sanitation in enforceable law and secure financing for vulnerable groups. Climate-resilient WASH investment—such as Hong Kong’s seawater flushing system and Guangdong’s drought-adapted rural water schemes—should be scaled through regional cost-sharing and promoted at the 2026 UN Water Conference.

Key challenges include intensified El Niño impacts (droughts/shortages) on vulnerable groups; persistent service inequalities fueling disease, and fragmented water governance/financing hindering climate-resilient infrastructure investment.

We commit to funding decentralized, climate-resilient WASH in the Philippines' vulnerable communities. We will utilize Human Rights-Based Approach data monitoring to track inequalities, guiding targeted WRMO investments and promoting Nature-based Solutions for water security and SDG 6 progress.

In the Philippines, the private sector's acceleration of SDG 6 is exemplified by Maynilad Water Services, Inc. through its "3M Campaign" (Makialam, Makiisa, Magmalasakit). Facing extreme water scarcity in Metro Manila, Maynilad partnered with customers and local government units (LGUs) to employ a multi-pronged, innovative strategy.

The transformative action is: Pass the new Water Code (National Water Act) to fully empower the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) with centralized regulatory authority and financing mechanisms for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This move must be promoted at the 2026 UN Water Conference as it addresses the key structural challenge of fragmented governance.

collaborative community empowerment

Many count especialy Refugee and host communities in kenya turkana count face daily barriers to safe water: scarce resources, damaged infrastructure, climate shocks, poor sanitation, and lack of inclusive decision-making. These urgent realities must guide priorities at the 2026 UN Water Conference

Our organization advances SDG 6 by strengthening equitable water and sanitation access for vulnerable and displaced populations through climate-resilient infrastructure, inclusive governance, capacity building, and data-driven monitoring aligned with global frameworks.

Through the Refugee-Led WASH Initiative, we co-created climate-smart water systems with refugee and host communities. Using solar-powered pumps and digital monitoring, access to safe water improved for 12,000 people. Collaboration involved community leaders, NGOs, UNHCR, and local authorities, strengthening ownership and accelerating SDG 6 progress.

By 2030, governments must commit to universal access to safe, affordable water and sanitation in vulnerable settings by scaling public-private-community partnerships. Action: integrate inclusive financing and innovative technologies (solar pumps, decentralized treatment). To be promoted at 2026 UN Water Conference as a transformative model for equity and resilience.

key challenges include climate-driven water stress, inequitable infrastructure access, and digital exclusion in water data. Prioritize inclusive governance, resilient systems, and community-led innovation to uphold rights for vulnerable populations and healthy economies.

EcoWater Alliance advances SDG 6 through community-led water monitoring, STEM education, and low-cost sensor deployment in underserved regions. We foster global partnerships, inclusive data access, and youth-driven innovation to scale equitable, resilient water and sanitation solutions.

EcoWater Alliance’s “Water Data for Equity” initiative will deploy low-cost sensors and youth-led STEM education to expand access to water quality data in underserved African communities. In partnership with schools, NGOs, and local leaders, it will foster inclusive monitoring, builds capacity, and strengthens SDG 6 accountability.

By 2030, governments and global donors must invest in community-owned water data systems and youth-led STEM education. This transformative action empowers vulnerable populations, strengthens accountability, and fosters innovation, creating inclusive conditions to accelerate SDG 6 and uphold water and sanitation as human rights.

Fragmentation of stakeholders, non-interoperable data, limited local capacities, and lack of regular science–policy–youth mechanisms at basin level. Transboundary cooperation remains ad hoc.

UMJAE + STRATEAU method: basin–university–youth cells, shared data standards, decision dashboards, certified training (80h), and local governance charters.

Pilots with basin agencies and universities: tripartite agreements (AdE–agency–university), harmonized data collection, planning support; co-designed alerts and SDG 6 indicators usable by authorities.

Institutionalize in each basin a science–policy–youth cell with mandate, budget and interoperable data exchange; led by basin authorities, universities and technical partners; annual SDG 6-aligned review

National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru Jos Nigeria

Key Challenges on Human Rights to Water & Sanitation (Post-2023 Developments) include;

shortfall in funds, Intensifying droughts, floods, and disasters, concern over pollutants, exclusion of Vulnerable Groups. Others are Weak transboundary cooperation, lagging progress on safe sanitation

Multi-Level Water Governance & Local Empowerment
Innovative WASH Systems & Resource Mobilization
Aggressive Resource Mobilization, Monitoring, Scientific Cooperation & Data Innovation
Smart Monitoring Tools, scientific partnerships, capacity building

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

Prioritize financing for climate-resilient aquifer recharge using treated wastewater. Critical challenges: overcoming regulatory barriers, advancing high-efficiency site selection to prevent water loss, and ensuring equitable governance for vulnerable communities.

Policy & Financing Focus: Establishing blended financing methods and mechanisms and adaptive regulatory frameworks to prioritize climate-resilient aquifer recharge using treated wastewater, focusing on vulnerable coastal areas.

The FEFLOW-MCA-GIS framework in Tunisia exemplifies a science-policy partnership accelerating SDG 6.3. It optimizes Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using treated wastewater, achieving +35m piezometric recovery, 30% lower costs, and equitable governance. Developed with government and research stakeholders, it provides a transferable model for climate-resilient water security in arid coastal regions.

Governments must pass a 'Water for People Act' that legally prioritizes reaching the most vulnerable. This national framework, supported by associations in implementation and UN agencies in monitoring, creates an accountable pathway to realize the human rights to water and sanitation.

Huge and persistent inequalities
Climate change intensifying water stress
Financing gaps: underinvestment, high costs for resilience, lack of access to climate finance for WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene)

Deploying climate-resilient WASH systems, expanding inclusive access for vulnerable groups, leveraging digital tools for monitoring, mobilizing blended finance, and fostering community-led governance to advance SDG 6 while linking with health, gender, and climate goals.

Lupane Water Supply Project (Zimbabwe National Water Project, ZIMREF & World Bank)
World Bank

What was done / innovation: Upgraded the Lupane water treatment plant; installed chemical dosing & water recycling; built new reservoirs; extended the distribution (reticulation) network; built capacity in the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.

A transformative action for Africa is scaling climate-resilient, inclusive water and sanitation systems through pooled continental financing led by the African Union, AfDB, and national governments, ensuring vulnerable groups’ access, strengthening data systems, and linking WASH to health, gender, and climate agendas by 2030.