Global Water Security Gains Momentum: GWSP’s Role in Nine Countries

The Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership (GWSP), under the World Bank, is making significant strides in enhancing water security across nine countries. A new report, Making Headway in the Water Sector, outlines GWSP’s efforts in improving governance, implementing climate-resilient strategies, and increasing access to clean water. Through tailored interventions, the initiative is shaping sustainable water management policies worldwide.

Water scarcity and sanitation challenges continue to threaten communities worldwide, but the Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership (GWSP), a World Bank initiative, is driving transformative solutions. According to the latest report, Making Headway in the Water Sector, GWSP is actively supporting nine nations in strengthening their water resource management, enhancing sanitation, and reinforcing climate resilience. The initiative highlights the importance of sustainable policies, innovative financing, and governance improvements in securing long-term water access.

Water security is about more than just availability—it requires sustainability, governance, and climate resilience. GWSP’s approach integrates policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and financial sustainability to ensure lasting impact. Strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting climate-adaptive policies, and fostering private-sector engagement are key steps in shaping the future of water governance.

Each country faces unique water security challenges, and GWSP has deployed targeted strategies to address them. In Bangladesh, efforts focus on climate-resilient water supply and urban sanitation policies to counter extreme weather. Brazil is tackling water scarcity in semi-arid regions through integrated water management frameworks that sustain agriculture. Ethiopia is improving rural water access while embedding gender-inclusive policies to empower local communities. India has scaled up water-efficient irrigation and behavioral change campaigns to enhance sanitation coverage. In Indonesia, the emphasis is on expanding urban wastewater treatment and providing clean drinking water to underserved communities. Kenya is advancing drought resilience strategies and improving the governance of water utilities. Peru is integrating climate adaptation strategies into national water policies, focusing on high-altitude water conservation. Uzbekistan is modernizing irrigation systems to boost agricultural efficiency while enhancing urban water sustainability, and Vietnam is strengthening flood risk management and investing in long-term water infrastructure financing.

GWSP’s success is built on three key strategies: institutional strengthening, financial innovation, and climate resilience. Governments receive technical support to drive evidence-based water policies. Sustainable funding models, including private-sector participation, are encouraged to improve water services. Climate risk mitigation frameworks are embedded to combat the impact of climate change on water resources. Social inclusion is also a crucial aspect, ensuring equitable access to clean water and sanitation for women, marginalized communities, and rural populations.

The impact of GWSP’s initiatives is already evident. Millions have gained access to clean drinking water through infrastructure projects, while policy frameworks have been strengthened to drive long-term improvements in water governance. Climate risk management has been embedded into national water policies, increasing resilience against extreme weather events. However, challenges persist, and with climate change intensifying water stress, continued investment in sustainable solutions and governance reforms is essential. The report calls for global collaboration to build on GWSP’s progress and drive further advancements in water security.

The GWSP’s efforts, as highlighted in Making Headway in the Water Sector, a World Bank publication, demonstrate how strategic governance, financial innovation, and climate resilience can revolutionize global water security. As the demand for clean water continues to grow, these interventions serve as a model for sustainable management and equitable access. With ongoing investment and cross-sector collaboration, the world can make significant strides toward a water-secure future.