Global Report on the state of water and sanitation utilities

Published on: 23/07/2024

The GWOPA Secretariat/ UN-Habitat – with the support of IRC and Water For People – is preparing a global report on the State of Water and Sanitation Utilities. The Global Report will be published in early 2025 and will highlight the connections between the work of utilities and the local realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Water and sanitation utilities and other service providers deliver essential services that underpin the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals. The impacts of their work go far beyond SDGs 6.1 and 6.2, with their specific focus on water and sanitation, respectively, which are related to the economy, health, climate resilience, and other societal outcomes.

Presenting an overview of the state of water and sanitation utilities worldwide, the report will illustrate the latest numbers, governance, financing mechanisms, capacity and performance of utilities, and the key challenges they face. The report summarises the latest research findings and examples of utilities working to accelerate SDG progress. It will showcase the best financial, technical, ecological and social innovations from practice to demonstrate the possibilities for strengthening service providers.

IRC and Water For People would welcome suggested contributions to the report from our network and partners. You can propose a case study focused on a specific utility or practice or share publications you would like us to consider and use in preparing the report. Areas of particular interest include:

• utilities and service providers in low and middle-income country contexts
• evidence, examples and stories of how utilities impact multiple Sustainable Development Goals
• cases related to climate mitigation/ adaptation, inclusive sanitation, regulation, and services for low-income households
• examples of local action and community participation
• innovations across all elements of the service delivery chain in water and sanitation

If the contribution can be used in the report, IRC/ Water For People may request a follow-up interview with you to develop the contribution further. The report will acknowledge all contributions, and a draft copy of the relevant report chapter will be provided before use.  

If you would like to contribute, please reply by completing the following form, and if possible, before Friday, 2 August: https://forms.office.com/e/qapJSe2LbB or contact John Butterworth at IRC (butterworth[at]ircwash.org).