For the purposes of the Conference and in preparation for World Water Day 2015, the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC) has produced a series of information briefs on the implementation of the different sub-themes of current proposals of the water related sustainable development goals.

Information brief on Water and Sustainable Development

Water is a finite resource that is fundamental to human well-being and only renewable if well managed. Smart water management is a pre-condition of sustainable development. Managed efficiently, water plays a vital role in strengthening the resilience of social, economic and environmental systems in the face of rapid and unpredictable changes. This information brief presents the role of water in achieving sustainable development. 

Information brief on Implementing improvements in water quality and protecting ecosystem services

Water is essential for life. The amount of freshwater on Earth is limited, and its quality is under constant pressure. Preserving the quality of freshwater is important for the drinking-water supply, food production and recreational water use. Water quality can be compromised by the presence of infectious agents, toxic chemicals, and radiological hazards. This information brief presents why water quality matters, as well as the current commitments, challenges and tools for implementation in relation to water quality and protection of ecosystem services.

Information brief on Implementing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

One of the world’s most urgent issues is lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene. Water-related improvements are crucial to meet the development goals, reduce child mortality, and improve health in a sustainable way. In July 2014 the UN Open Working Group (OWG) proposed a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. This information brief presents the current commitments to progress, challenges and tools for implementation in relation to WASH.

Information brief on Implementing Risk Management in Water and Sanitation

Over the centuries, societies around the world have and learned to coexist alongside the risk of natural disasters. Today’s climatic changes mean that we live in a world where these risks are aggravated. Additionally, a globalised economy brings with it the risk of socioeconomic disasters created by fluctuations in the global financial market. By developing solutions to manage increasing risk we can help protect the poor and vulnerable communities who bear the brunt of the effects of natural disasters. We need new strategies and a better capacity to absorb change. This information brief presents the need to manage water risks, as well as the current commitments, challenges and tools for implementation in relation to risk management in water and sanitation.

Information brief on Implementing Water Resources Management

Freshwater is central to all development efforts. Yet it faces growing pressures across the world – from urbanization and overconsumption, to underinvestment and lack of capacity, poor management and waste, and the demands of agriculture, energy and food production. While it is generally considered that there is enough freshwater on the planet for 7 billion people it is distributed unevenly and too much of it is wasted, polluted and unsustainably managed. This information brief presents the current commitments, challenges and tools for implementation in relation to water resources management.