The World Bank Group, in collaboration with multilateral development banks and other partners, has launched “Water Forward,” a global initiative aimed at improving water security for one billion people by 2030.
Gatekeepers News reports that the platform is designed to align policy reforms, financing, and partnerships to expand access to reliable water services while strengthening resilience against droughts and floods—key factors linked to job creation and economic stability.
In a statement, the bank highlighted the critical role of water in global development.
“Water underpins health, food systems, energy, and an estimated 1.7 billion jobs worldwide; yet 4 billion people experience water scarcity.
“In many countries, unclear policies, weak regulations, and financially unsustainable utilities have slowed progress and deterred investment in the sector,” the statement read.
The initiative, according to the bank, seeks to address these challenges by supporting developing countries in building stronger and more reliable water systems.
“Water Forward aims to address these challenges by helping developing countries build stronger, more reliable water systems that can unlock productivity, support livelihoods, and enable private investment.
“The initiative will support reforms to strengthen institutions, improve financial performance, and develop investment-ready projects,” it added.
So far, 14 countries have unveiled their national water compacts under the initiative, with more expected to join in the coming months.
President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, said governments, development partners, philanthropies, and private sector players are aligning resources and expertise to accelerate investments and project delivery.
He noted that the bank is targeting water security for 400 million people by 2030, adding that broader collaboration under the Water Forward platform is expected to extend the reach to over one billion people globally.
