The UN World Water Development Report 2026

The recently published United Nations World Water Development Report 2026, published by UNESCO and UN-Water, highlights the urgent need to advance gender equality in water access, management, and governance. Titled Water for All People: Equal Rights and Opportunities, the report examines how unequal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide, limiting opportunities in education, health, and economic participation. 

The report also underscores the importance of inclusive water governance and gender-responsive policies in achieving sustainable development goals. Combining evidence-based analysis with practical recommendations, the report presents actionable solutions to strengthen water security, improve data collection, and promote equal participation in the water sector. The report serves as a global call for equitable and sustainable water management for the benefit of all communities.

Read the report in full here