How well is the world managing its water resources? To answer that question, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), with the UNEP-DHI Centre and Global Water Partnership (GWP), have analysed the responses from 186 countries to the survey instrument on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 6.5.1 – the degree of implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) – showing that the world as a whole has advanced from 49% in 2017 to 54% in 2020. While this does show definite progress, 107 countries are currently not on track to meet the target of implementing IWRM by 2030, and to reach the global goal, the current rate of implementation would need to at least double.

Investments in water security must be at the center of solutions for both climate change and post Covid-19 economic recovery. Specifically, investments in water information, institutions, and infrastructure encompassing all levels are essential.

The 2021 edition of World Water Week concluded on 27 August after a packed week of digital events. As in previous years, GWP was engaged in many sessions. One of the milestone announcements of the week was the UN-Water release of the SDG 6 Progress Reports, based on the 2020 Data Drive initiative, which GWP contributed to through the SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme. The message from the launch was clear: we are not on track to meet the 2030 Agenda water goal so we need to urgently accelerate progress. Throughout the week, GWP presented several of its initiatives that aim to do just that.

We are happy to introduce the GWP Water Academy for Youth (W.A.Y.). The GWP W.A.Y. is an opportunity for young professionals to realise their potential in the water community, become influencers and leaders, create momentum with key actors, and enhance youth engagement and empowerment in water resources management. The first global activity is a joint GWP, CAP-NET, University of Andres/UNESCO online course, “From Learning to Leading: Beyond the ABCs of Youth, Water, and the SDGs.” Registration opens on 17 August and the course is free.

The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on transboundary freshwater security opened in August 2020. A year on, the MOOC has attracted over 2,300 participants from 150 countries, and the course is confirmed for another year on the same platform – with more language versions in the making to reach an even greater audience, and with more interactive events to engage participants. Chinese video subtitles are already available, and several other translations are under preparation.

August 12 marks International Youth Day, and the 2021 edition has the theme, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.” We spoke with youth in West and Southern Africa about their involvement in GWP activities around water and food. What are the challenges and how can youth contribute to securing the water-food chain?

The recent IPCC report paints a grim picture of the future of our planet. A red code for humanity. We pushed the climate into unprecedented territory, and now is the time to act, says GWP Executive Secretary Darío Soto-Abril in a statement responding to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. He stresses that to succeed in the battle against climate disaster, we need to work in unison.

The devastating floods in Western Europe highlight the serious weather extremes that are now affecting many parts of the world. Until recently, it was easy to overlook these events, thinking they only happened in poor and remote communities in less developed countries. Not anymore. The flooding last week shows that climate change is real, it is hitting close to home, and it’s affecting all of us.

In 2020, GWP South America organised a contest among regional Partners. The topic was on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and featured projects successfully carried out in 2020. The top 5 submissions were shared in a series of webinars during April to June this year – presenting results, conclusions, and concerns.