The 10th Global Environment Facility Biennial International Waters Conference (IWC10) is the key learning and exchange event for projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in the focal area of International Waters.
In 2019, GWP, in collaboration with UNDP Cap-Net and Wageningen University, launched the “Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSP) for Improved Water Governance Programme.” The MSP Programme is a learning and knowledge initiative that aims to build the capacity of our network at regional and country level and use this experience to leverage insights on how to coordinate effective multi-stakeholder action towards improved water governance.
Growing populations and climatic impacts are placing unprecedented pressure on water resources. This is true of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which comprises 16 Member States, whose population in 2018, was estimated to be at 345.2 million, a rise from 336.9 million as of 2017. Rivers play a pivotal role in the region's socio-economic development, as evidenced by its reliance on these waterways. Southern Africa boasts of 15 major transboundary river basins, shared among neighbouring countries, with 13 basins entirely within the region's borders. However, the equitable distribution of water resources remains a challenge, exacerbated by climatic factors influencing rainfall patterns and the geographical distribution of river basins. While these rivers can spark conflicts, they also serve as conduits for peace and cooperation. Therefore, prioritizing transboundary water cooperation is not merely about economic prosperity but also essential for nurturing stability and harmony throughout the region.
The African Union Commission, in partnership with the Global Water Partnership Africa, is fast-tracking climate finance readiness across the continent through the AU-AIP GCF Readiness Support Initiative, now being implemented in 15 AU Member States. Over recent months, the initiative has recorded tangible milestones that demonstrate growing institutional capacity, stronger investment preparation, and Africa’s readiness to absorb and deploy climate finance at scale.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation of the Republic of Zambia, and with the support from the German government through the SADC GIZ Transboundary Water Management (TWM) project and the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), will host the SADC Resource Mobilisation and Transboundary Water Investment Workshop in Lusaka, Zambia from 24 to 25 July 2025.
On October 29, 2024, the 2024 Hebei Water Expo, marking its second edition, commenced at the Shijiazhuang International Convention and Exhibition Center. With the theme of "Cultivating New Productive Forces and Scripting Hebei's Water Conservancy Construction in the Chinese Path to Modernization," the exposition represents a pivotal event.
World Water Day, held on 22 March every year, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater, raising awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. The theme of World Water Day 2024 is ‘Water for Peace’.
Following the 2023 third round of reporting on target 6.5.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which monitors the level of implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management, Cameroon recorded an overall “medium- low” score of 49% and outlined challenges hindering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030. To address these challenges, an SDG 6.5.1 Stage 2 programme is underway in the country, implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources and supported by UNEP-DHI and the Global Water Partnership. Under this Stage 2 programme, the government will elaborate a National IWRM Plan which outlines strategies to foster climate-resilient water management in the country.
