United Nations World Water Development Report

The production of the report is coordinated and published by the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) on behalf of the UN-Water family. Several UN-Water Members and Partners, as well as other experts, contribute appreciably to the preparation and content of the report. As such, the UN WWDR represents the coherent and integrated response of the United Nations system to freshwater-related issues and emerging challenges and remain among  shining example of the United Nations ‘delivering as one’.

The UN WWDR was initiated in response to a call from the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) to produce a periodic, UN system-wide global overview of the status (quantity and quality), use and management of freshwater resources. It currently contributes to ongoing worldwide movement to foster progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations and endorsed by the international community. With several SDGs reliant upon the access to safe and sufficient water and sanitation services, the report serves a critical purpose that stretches far beyond the water domain. From 2003 through to 2012, the UN WWDR was produced and released every three years, following a comprehensive approach. As of 2014, the UN WWDR transformed into an annual, thematic report, focused on a different strategic water issue each year. The theme of each annual UN WWDR is harmonized with that of World Water Day (22 March) and provides the knowledge base for related celebrations, events and discussions throughout the year.

Targeted primarily at regional, national and local-level decision-makers, water resource managers and practitioners, the UN WWDR also provides a trustworthy source of knowledge and information for academics as well as groups and individuals interested in global water issues and the role they play in the broader scope of social development, equitable economic growth and environmental sustainability.