On April 15, 2026, the World Bank Group launched Water Forward, a new global effort to improve water security for more than 1 billion people by 2030. The plan brings together governments, development banks, aid groups, and private investors to help countries build stronger water systems. The World Bank says water is not only important for health. It also supports farming, energy, business, and about 1.7 billion jobs around the world. (worldbank.org)
The problem is huge. Around 4 billion people experience water scarcity. The World Bank’s Water Forward page also says 2.1 billion people still lack safe drinking water, and 3.4 billion lack safely managed sanitation. When water systems are weak, people can face droughts, floods, disease, and lost income. This is one reason the World Bank connects water security with jobs and economic growth. It also points out that more than 1.2 billion young people in developing countries will reach working age in the next 10 to 15 years, so reliable water will matter even more in the future. (worldbank.org)
What is new about Water Forward? At the center of the plan are country-led water compacts. These are national action plans made by governments. In each compact, a country chooses its main water problems, promises reforms, strengthens key institutions, and prepares projects that can attract investment. So Water Forward is not only about building pipes, pumps, or dams. It is also about improving rules, planning, and finance, so water systems can keep working for a long time. (worldbank.org)
At the launch, 14 countries announced water compacts, including Cambodia, Kenya, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uzbekistan, Jamaica, and Bolivia. The World Bank Group itself aims to improve water security for 400 million people by 2030, and with partner support, Water Forward expects to help more than 1 billion people. It is an ambitious idea, but also an easy one to understand: when water works, daily life works better too. (worldbank.org)










