Water is a core component of sustainable development, inherently linking livelihoods, ecosystems, populations, and infrastructure. Access to water and the management of water resources, services, and hazards significantly determine the state of human and environmental health, food and energy security, socio-economic prosperity, and peace.
The United Nations University (UNU) focuses its water-related research on the needs of low and middle-income countries as they pursue action plans for sustainable development. The UNU Water Network combines the complementary expertise and diverse geographical experience of UNU researchers to guide policy development, technical problem-solving, natural resource planning, and new technologies that help countries achieve water-related Sustainable Development Goals.