GWP believes that SDG 6 – “to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” – is inextricably linked to and mutually dependent on most other goals, including poverty reduction, gender equality, climate, food, energy, health, cities, and ecosystems.

SDG 6 provides a high level political commitment to an integrated approach to water security through Target 6.5- “By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.” The basis of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach that GWP has helped embed into policy-making worldwide is the need to tackle trade-offs and establish cooperation based on a fair and efficient allocation of water resources. Inclusive water governance is the key that connects multiple targets within Goal 6 as well as with other relevant goals and targets, especially to Goal 17, Partnership for the Goals. GWP’s network of partners embodies this approach with its emphasis on policy dialogue, bottom-up development, and equal participation.

GWP has three interdependent strategic goals: Goal 1 (Catalyse Change in Policies and Practice) and Goal 2 (Generate and Communicate Knowledge), which depend on Goal 3 (Strengthen Partnerships). The GWP gender and youth strategies cut across these goals to ensure women’s equal participation and intergenerational cooperation. These goals are consistent with the SDGs emphasis on inclusive processes – “leaving no one behind.”

In order to achieve these goals, GWP has several programmes designed to:

• Contribute to national processes for the achievement of water-related SDGs and targets, especially those with synergies with other water-related targets, including Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Ensure up-to-date knowledge and capacity for partners to take action on water security
• Implement demonstration programmes to identify best practice solutions to be scaled up
• Put the network first by strengthening country dimensions, building capacity, ensuring diversity and inclusion of stakeholders, enhancing accountability frameworks, and providing financial and governance support.