H.E. Marsudi accepted the invitation to serve as a Champion for the Global Outlook Council on Water Investment—a role that underscores her leadership in mobilizing global action for sustainable water development.
She emphasized that investing in water infrastructure in Africa is not an act of charity but a strategic imperative for global prosperity, sustainability, and equity.
H.E. Retno Marsudi, UN Special Envoy for Water, to serve as Champion of the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments
With Africa’s population projected to reach 1.4 billion and its youth poised to drive future growth, she highlighted the continent’s potential as a global powerhouse in climate resilience, agriculture, and energy security.
Her inclusion as a Champion for the Global Outlook Council reflects the trust placed in the United Nations to address urgent water challenges through inclusive and impactful collaboration. H.E Marsudi pledged to advocate for robust and sustainable water investments guided by the Triple-A principle—Accessibility, Affordability, and Availability. She also committed to reinforcing political will, institutional capacity, and strategic cooperation across sectors.
“The true measure of success lies in what we deliver next,” Marsudi stated, urging stakeholders to turn ambition into lasting impact. Her leadership will be instrumental in unlocking investment opportunities and accelerating progress toward water security for Africa and the world.
H.E. Retno Marsudi’s, UN Special Envoy for Water, address to the AU – AIP Africa Water Investment Conference on 13 – 15 August 2025
H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, who is also the G20 President on launched the Global Outlook Council for Water Investments on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 during the official opening of the AU-AIP Africa Water Investment Summit 2025.08.18
The Council will serve as the world’s premier high-level political and investment platform on water. It will track progress, unlock finance, report annually and align efforts across the G20, UN, multilateral development banks and the private sector. It will also mobilise the leadership, capital and innovation required to transform water from a crisis sector into an opportunity sector.
Comprising current and former Heads of State, global leaders, and senior public and private sector representatives, the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments will lead high-level engagement with G20 countries and other global leaders to transform water security systems amid the global climate emergency.
The Global Outlook Council will be co-chaired by:
- President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates
- Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados
- Mr Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Alternate Co-Chairs of the council include:
- President Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of Tanzania
- Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General
The Council will be supported by a group of global leaders who will serve as Council Champions, including as indicated, H.E. Retno Marsudi, Special Envoy for Water of the UN Secretary-General.