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The United Nations World Water Development Report – Water for a Sustainable World.

Author: Graham Mann, Water Audit Expert.

Water is the core of sustainable development, water resources and the range of services they provide underpin poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability. From food and energy security to human and environmental health, water contributes to improvements in social well being and inclusive growth affecting the livelihoods of billions.

This report comes at a critical moment when freshwater resources face rising pressure to provide for the social to environmental needs of a growing population. 2015 is also a year of high expectations and hopes as the deadline for the millennium development goals, and when states will define a new global sustainable development agenda which is to follow.

Water is inextricably linked to the development of all societies and cultures at the same time, the development also places considerable pressure on water resources – agriculture, energy and industry all have impacts on the use and governance of water.

Around 748 million people today still do not have access to an improved source of drinking water, and water demands for manufacturing is expected to increase by 400% between 2000 and 2050 globally. The 2015 World Water Development Report sets both an aspirational and realistic vision for the future of water towards 2050.

Water is essential for promoting inclusive sustainable development as it supports human communities, maintains the functions of eco systems and ensures economic development. Translating this vision into reality requires efforts by all, through concrete and interrelated actions that go from establishing the legal and institutional framework to ensure sustainable water management and increasing investments and financial support  for water development to enhancing and improving access to water supply, sanitation and hygiene services.

The sustainable use and management of water is vital for welfare of all humanity today and it is essential building the future we want for all, this is why the United Nations World Water Development Report is so important.

Download the PDF report here Waterforasustainableworld