UN-Water

Extreme weather affected at least 13 million people across Africa in 2025, according to the new State of the Climate in Africa 2025 report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Floods accounted for more than half of the reported events, while drought affected more than 8.5 million people in East Africa. Rising sea levels and rapidly shrinking glaciers continue to threaten water security and livelihoods across the continent.

The report highlights the importance of strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems and improving coordination between meteorological services, disaster management agencies and local authorities.

Read the full report ⬇️ https://www.unwater.org/news/wmo-report-state-climate-africa-2025
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WMO report: State of the Climate in Africa 2025 Floods accounted for more than half of reported events, including severe flooding in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo that together killed over 360 people, while drought affected more than 8.5 million people in East Africa. Sea-level rise along some African coasts is outpacing the gl...

Women are shaping the future of water and sanitation across Africa.

A new publication, 100 African Women Leading Africa’s Water & Sanitation Future, highlights the work of women engineers, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and community leaders transforming WASH systems across the continent.

The compendium celebrates leadership, strengthens visibility and supports knowledge-sharing for the next generation of water and sanitation professionals.

With coming up later this year on 19 November, it is a powerful reminder that inclusive sanitation systems need women’s leadership, knowledge and participation.

Download the first edition ⬇️

100 African Women Leading Africa’s Water and Sanitation Future “100 African Women Leading Africa’s Water & Sanitation Future” documents the work of 100 women involved in transforming water and sanitation systems across the continent, including engineers, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and community leaders.According to the publication, the compe...

🇨🇳 From mountain villages to island communities — Zhejiang Province in is transforming rural water access.

In less than 10 years, piped water coverage in rural areas rose from 71% to 91%, while water quality compliance reached almost universal levels.

The key?

✔️ Strong public investment
✔️ Smart water management
✔️ Rural revitalization policies
✔️ Putting people first

Explore how Zhejiang Province accelerated safe drinking water access for millions.

🔗 Read the Case Study https://www.unwater.org/publications/country-acceleration-case-study-china

SDG 6 has done more than track progress — it has helped shape it.

Over the past decade, countries have used SDG 6 to strengthen policies, improve coordination and make water and sanitation a national priority.

Now it's time to build on that momentum and accelerate implementation.

Read the United Nations SDG 6 Synthesis Report on Water and Sanitation 2026: https://www.unwater.org/publications/sdg-6-synthesis-report-2026

🇸🇹 Hygiene access has nearly doubled in São Tomé and Príncipe’s urban areas.

From schools to healthcare facilities, investments in handwashing, water treatment and community-led action helped improve lives across the country.

The progress shows how planning, partnerships and local ownership can accelerate .

🔗 Read the Case Study https://www.unwater.org/publications/country-acceleration-case-study-sao-tome-and-principe

Why does a dedicated global goal for water matter?

For the past 10 years, has helped countries set priorities, strengthen water management and track progress using a shared global framework.

It has also shown that water connects health, food, energy, human rights, climate, ecosystems and economic development.

The United Nations SDG 6 Synthesis Report on Water and Sanitation 2026 explores why a dedicated goal for water and sanitation remains essential for the future.

Read more: https://www.unwater.org/publications/sdg-6-synthesis-report-2026

🇺🇿 is reducing water stress through large-scale water-saving action.

In just four years, freshwater withdrawals dropped dramatically — one of the world’s most remarkable accelerations on SDG target 6.4.

How?

💧 National leadership and ambitious reform
💧 Investment in canal modernization
💧 Soft loans and subsidies for farmers
💧 Digital water monitoring and smart metering

Discover how Uzbekistan is accelerating progress on in one of the world’s most water-stressed regions.

🔗 Read the Country Acceleration Case Study https://www.unwater.org/publications/country-acceleration-case-study-uzbekistan

Every investment in water and sanitation creates benefits that extend far beyond the water sector.

Reliable water services support healthier populations, stronger economies, more resilient food systems and greater preparedness for climate impacts.

The UN Synthesis Report 2026 highlights why accelerating investment in water and sanitation remains one of the most effective ways to advance sustainable development.

Read the report: https://www.unwater.org/publications/sdg-6-synthesis-report-2026

Safe drinking-water doesn't end at the source. Water quality can be compromised during collection, transport and household storage, making practical guidance essential for protecting public health.

Join CAWST and the World Health Organization (WHO) on 23 July 2026 for a webinar on translating global drinking-water recommendations into national and local action.

During the session, Rory McKeown, technical expert in drinking-water quality, will present WHO recommendations for small water supplies related to household-managed supplies and demonstrate how sanitary inspection tools and the WHO Compendium of drinking-water systems and technologies from source to consumer can support implementation.

📅 23 July 2026
🕓 16:00–17:30 CEST (08:00–09:30 MDT)
🌐 Language: English with live interpretation in French and Spanish
🎥 Can't attend live? Register to receive the recording.

🔗 Register here:

Registration Register for a CAWST event or training course.