The world’s water challenges are intensifying — and so is the need for collaboration, clarity, and bold action. Today, we are launching our new strategy for 2026–2028, marking a decisive step in our ongoing renewal and our ambition to shape the future of global water governance.
This strategy is more than a roadmap. It is a statement of intent.
After a period of organizational transformation, with new leadership and a renewed mandate, we are sharpening our focus on what we do best: bringing people together, curating trusted water knowledge, and turning dialogue into action. At a time when water is still too often undervalued, despite its central role in climate resilience, food systems, ecosystems, peace, and development, SIWI is doubling down on our role as a trusted convenor and co-creator of solutions.
Why this strategy — and why now?
Climate change is disrupting the global water cycle. Competition for water is increasing. And the global water community remains fragmented across sectors, regions, and disciplines.
SIWI’s new strategy responds to this reality with a clear ambition: to ensure that water is recognized, governed, and acted on as a systems connector, linking climate, biodiversity, food, energy, peace, and human well-being.
Over the coming years, we will focus on three mutually reinforcing ways of working:
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Convening and co-creating inclusive platforms that turn dialogue into collective action
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Curating knowledge and research that is trusted, policy-relevant, and actionable
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Providing advice and capacity development that helps partners translate insight into real-world impact
These pillars are delivered through SIWI’s flagship platforms, most notably World Water Week, and through year-round engagement with partners across sectors and regions.
From ambition to action
The strategy sets a clear direction for how we will contribute to long-term change: strengthening global water governance, catalyzing partnerships, and co-creating resilient and just water solutions.
It also reflects a strong internal commitment. People and culture are placed at the heart of SIWI’s future, recognizing that collaboration, trust, openness, and curiosity are not “soft” values, but core drivers of impact.
At its core, the strategy is about focus. About doing fewer things better. And about working in partnership to ensure that water is no longer treated as a sectoral issue, but as a foundation for resilient societies and healthy ecosystems.
Explore the strategy
This strategy presentation outlines SIWI’s vision and priorities for the years ahead. Explore the interactive online version to see where SIWI is heading and how partners can be part of the journey.
👉 Explore the strategy here
