Based on the IWRM challenges reported by each country during the periodic UN-led assessment of SDG indicator 6.5.1, Stage 2 of the SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme focuses on formulating appropriate responses to strengthen areas where the country is facing water-related challenges. This is done by designing targeted interventions as a series of investment opportunities. When Stage 2 is finalised, these interventions should be ready to be funded to ensure they can be implemented in Stage 3. It is important to note that the three stages of the Support Programme represent three tracks which may not necessarily be in sequence. This means that you do not necessarily have to finish one stage before moving on to the next, and in some cases more than one stage can run in parallel.

The objective of the Support Programme is to advance IWRM as a means to advance towards sustainable development, as seen through progress towards SDG 6.5, other SDG 6 targets, and water-related goals. In this sense, the output of Stage 2 is an IWRM Action Plan, which should complement the existing IWRM framework, be aligned with broader development priorities, the SDG landscape, and the climate agenda. The IWRM Action Plan should be developed through a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral gender-sensitive approach.