Securing water for all: The power of partnership

A resident of Jatireja Village, Indonesia uses clean water provided by the World Bank PAMSIMAS project, supported by the Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership, to wash dishes. Photo- Muhammad Fadli - World

SARAH NEDOLAST

January 27, 2025 - What would a day without water look like?

No drink to quench your thirst, no water to cook or clean, and no shower to freshen up. The list of inconveniences is long and, for a lot of us, unimaginable.

Water is fundamental to life. Yet, millions around the world still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation. For many—especially girls and women in rural areas—this often means walking long distances to fetch water, missing out on education, or skipping school altogether due to lack of proper sanitation facilities. Addressing this crisis has never been more urgent, especially as climate change continues to deepen its impact. Among the top six risks of multidimensional poverty identified by the World Bank, lack of sanitation and safe drinking water remain alarmingly prominent, particularly in low-income countries receiving support from the International Development Association (IDA).

So, where do we go from here? 

Global Water Security & Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) is committed to driving collective action to tackle global water challenges. By fostering collaboration, we are turning ideas into tangible results. Our 2024 annual report highlights both the progress made and the opportunities ahead to secure a water-sustainable future for all.  

Turning Ideas into Impact

In fiscal year 2024, GWSP influenced $9.31 billion in new World Bank lending and supported over 240 activities across 70 countries. These efforts target all areas of water-related development. Between 2020 and 2024, we helped governments provide access to water for 52.6 million people and sanitation for 33.4 million. We also provided assistance to improve irrigation on over 4 million hectares of land, ensuring more abundant and nutritious food for farmers and their families while empowering them to grow food sustainably for future generations. 

Every number reflects lives transformed. In Senegal, Ami Ndiaye now farms during the dry season thanks to climate-resilient irrigation. In Viet Nam, Duong Van Tuan uses a smartphone to precisely monitor water levels and optimize water use on his farm. In Ethiopia, Tesfanesh Eba, a sixth-grade student, shares how the construction of new toilets and menstrual hygiene management facilities at her school have made girls feel more comfortable and significantly reduced absenteeism. These stories remind us that each project delivers meaningful improvements to people's everyday lives.

Collaboration Behind the Tap

Consider your day again: a glass of fresh water, a meal cooked with clean ingredients, and the comfort of a clean bathroom. How do these essentials reach you? It is likely to be by simply turning on the tap. Behind that simplicity lies a complex web of collaboration. From infrastructure to governance, it takes teamwork to ensure water flows safely from source to end user. GWSP’s results are only possible through partnerships of this caliber.

In 2024, GWSP didn’t just deliver numbers; we strengthened systems that impact people’s lives. For example, we developed diagnostic tools in Europe and Central Asia to assess water security risks, guiding critical policy decisions. We worked with 20 water utilities worldwide to implement digital solutions, improving efficiency and service delivery. We also supported 34 countries in strengthening water institutions, enabling them to better manage resources and improve service delivery.

Expanding Collaboration and Innovation

To expand on our collaboration in action, consider our work in Pakistan with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation. Together, we supported the government to attract much needed private capital to improve the financial sustainability of water services, demonstrating how partnerships can drive innovation in the water sector. 

In the Lake Victoria Basin—a vital resource for over 47 million East Africans—rapid population growth and climate change have exacerbated pollution from inadequate sanitation, poor land practices, and industrial waste, threatening water quality, fish stocks, and public health. With GWSP support, a regional sanitation strategy is now in place, bringing together all partners to improve sanitation services across the basin. This initiative has already yielded significant benefits, including a reduction in waterborne diseases, enhanced water quality, and improved public health for communities living around the lake. The success of this project underscores how strategic investments, coupled with strong partnerships, can deliver tangible benefits, advancing water security for vulnerable populations, and fostering resilience in the face of growing challenges.

A Commitment to Gender Equity

Our commitment to gender equity is integral to our approach. In 2024, 93% of IDA-financed water projects included actions to create medium- and high-skilled jobs for women. By empowering women within the water sector, GWSP paves the way for inclusive and enduring solutions to water challenges.

Addressing Climate Resilience

Despite our progress, significant challenges remain, especially as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of floods and droughts. Nine out of ten natural disasters are water-related, and by 2050, the global economic cost of water-related disasters could reach $5.6 trillion.

GWSP is supporting countries navigate these challenges by focusing on climate resilience. In 2024, 83% of GWSP grants targeted climate adaptation and mitigation, with initiatives like improving watershed water quality in Fiji to enhance resilience and safeguard vital water resources. These initiatives aim to tackle immediate water challenges while also fostering long-term resilience to climate impacts. 

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, GWSP remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate progress toward universal water and sanitation access. Achieving the water-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 demands collective action—from governments, international organizations, private entities, and local communities. Investment must scale up significantly. Every dollar spent on climate-resilient water infrastructure saves $4 in future costs, demonstrating the immense economic value and societal benefits of proactive water investments.

A day without water should never be anyone’s reality. With your continued support and by investing in resilient water solutions and fostering collaboration across sectors, we can turn the tide on the global water crisis. Together, we can build a water-secure future for all. – World Bank Newsletter