Learning

Lack of water supply and sanitation infrastructure is the biggest cause of time poverty for women and girls in low-income countries. They often bear the brunt of collecting water and caring for sick family members suffering from water-borne diseases. Yet the participation and inclusion of women in planning, designing, and delivering water infrastructure and services is low. How can we support and promote the engagement of marginalized groups in water management?

An estimated 2.5 billion people, or 55% of the global population, will be living in urban areas by 2030. With global demand continuing to grow and the effects of climate change disrupting traditional water supplies, it is imperative to reimagine the way water is used, treated, and distributed. How can we develop environmentally sustainable circular water economies fit for 21st century societies?

Weak governance and inefficient subsidies contribute to the massive wastage and misallocation of water resources. The agriculture sector, for example, consumes 70% of global freshwater. Good governance is critical for the effective delivery of water services and the sustainable management of water resources. What can we do to promote good governance and catalyze financing?

The rapidly evolving digital and communications revolution is redefining what is possible for water resource management and service delivery. Technologies that provide data in real-time allow for better management of water networks and drastically reduce nonrevenue water levels. Earth observation technologies can improve water resources management and irrigation efficiency. How can water utilities efficiently and cost-effectively integrate smart water solutions?