Water is life
Water is life but its future is under pressure. From shrinking glaciers to intensifying droughts and floods, the way we manage water today will define the resilience of our societies tomorrow.
UNESCO leads global efforts to understand, protect and sustainably manage this vital resource. Through the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP), UNESCO connects cutting-edge science with practical solutions, helping countries to monitor groundwater, adapt to climate change and share transboundary waters more effectively. Backed by a global network of water centres, university chairs and experts, and informed by the flagship UN World Water Development Report, UNESCO equips decision-makers with the knowledge and tools they need to build a more water-secure world.
UNESCO’s work on water
UNESCO, the World Food Programme and local governments are launching a new programme to support sustainable livelihoods along the shores of Lake Turkana. As the world’s largest desert lake, it holds much promise for these communities—but its resources must be managed sustainably.
As a member of the Karanga River community, Florida Paul Mwanga advocates for the protection of Mount Kilimanjaro’s water sources, on which two million people depend. To support these efforts, UNESCO and the FAO are strengthening regional water management through an $8 million project to be financed by the Global Environment Facility, building on the theme of the 2025 UN World Water Development Report – ‘Mountains and Glaciers’.
