Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership: Annual Report 2023

The world is not on track with meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As of 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water, 3.5 billion lacked access to safely managed sanitation, and 2 billion lacked access to basic hand hygiene facilities. Today, global investment needs in the water sector exceed $1.37 trillion. To meet SDG 6 by 2030, investments must increase sixfold from the current level. Scaling up water investments will result in healthier people and ecosystems, climate-resilient irrigation and drainage services for farmers and improved water storage. In fiscal year 2023, the World Bank saw increased demand from client countries for assistance in building effective and efficient institutions for delivery of water and sanitation services, achieving climate-resilient irrigation, and managing worsening flood and drought risks. GWSP provided support for designing and implementing projects that are sustainable and resilient as well as inclusive policy advice. Over the past year, GWSP informed more than $13.5 billion of World Bank projects. Below are some of the highlights from GWSP in 2023.

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KEY MESSAGES:

With billions of people at risk, the global water crisis demands accelerated action.

• In 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water, 3.5 billion lacked safely managed sanitation, and 2 billion lacked basic hygiene services.
• Unaddressed, the water crisis may result in global, national, and regional conflicts.
• Investing in water will result in healthier people, economies, and ecosystems.
• We must act quickly, collectively, and on a much larger scale if we are to meet the water-related SDGs by 2030.

As a center of excellence for water-related issues, we are well positioned to help countries accelerate action on water.

• GWSP is a platform for collaboration and support of the water-related SDGs. We drive policy changes, build capacity, and enable the delivery of results at scale.
• Our “knowledge into implementation model” has created a strong foundation of analytics, tools, data, and expertise.
• In FY23, our work informed World Bank projects worth $13.5 billion.
• In FY23, World Bank projects provided access to water and/or sanitation to nearly 30 million people, helped 2.79 million farmers adopt improved agricultural technology, provided nearly 2,560 schools and health centers with access to improved water and sanitation services, and created or strengthened about 5,160 water user associations.
• Our analytical products help to change the global narrative on water, with a growing number of requests for technical assistance.
• Our analysis helps inform the World Bank’s Country Climate and Developments Reports – all of which discuss water challenges.

We support and enable governments to develop solutions and scale up investment and impact for a water-secure world.

• Meeting SDG 6 by 2030 requires stronger institutions, more efficient utilities, and investments of $1.4 trillion.
• Alongside our partners, GWSP’s work helps countries create an enabling environment for investment – including in fragile, water-insecure environments.
• Water security is an issue that cuts across a range of sectors, requiring an integrated and collaborative approach to developing strategies and solutions.
• To maximize finance, the World Bank developed Scaling Up Finance for Water, a strategic framework and roadmap for action.

Our work is critical for delivering the World Bank’s commitment to mobilizing and scaling up support for water through the Fast Track Water Security and Climate Adaptation Global Challenge Program.

• Water runs through climate and development.
• When billions cannot access water, we do not have a livable planet.
• Our analytical work contributes directly to ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet.
• We have the skills, tools, and expertise to scale up impact.
• We influence the shape of global water reform, innovation, and investment.
• Our achievements would not have been possible without the generous financial and advisory support of our partners.
• GWSP will enable the Water Global Practice to work with partners and support the delivery of water services in fragile and conflict-affected contexts where the World Bank does not have an active IBRD/IDA portfolio.
• GWSP will enable teams to work alongside governments to provide assessments and tools to design programs, build capacity to effectively implement programs, provide policy advice to establish an enabling environment, and bring global expertise to solve complex challenges.
• Through the Global Facility for Transboundary Waters Cooperation, GWSP aims to advance sustainable water management and climate action through transboundary water cooperation and development. By bringing together key partners and institutions, the Global Facility helps countries understand issues, identify solutions, promote agreements, and catalyze investment in support of water security while addressing broader global challenges such as preventing conflict and preserving biodiversity.
• GWSP will provide grants to incentivize investments in water resources, complementing IBRD/IDA operations.

Water storage

Media

Taxonomy

• Sanitation
• Sanitation & Hygiene
• Water & Sanitation
• Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)