# Water Futures Initiative

A trusted platform for public-private cooperation that connects leaders to address emerging systemic water challenges.

[Get involved](https://initiatives.weforum.org/water-futures/get-involved)


## We connect stakeholders to deepen shared understanding of emerging water challenges and advance the global water agenda through public-private cooperation.

Water is the foundation of life. It is essential for human prosperity, ecosystem health and economic development. With the economic value of water estimated at $58 trillion, its critical importance and the scale of the challenge cannot be overstated.Water Futures supports global water commitments and helps businesses enhance and rethink sustainable water management practices. The initiative advances the global water agenda by integrating with existing and emerging multilateral processes and goals, leveraging private sector expertise to contribute to global agreements and accelerate solutions.


## Our focus areas


### Explore fit-for-purpose financing

Convene investors, philanthropies and experts to explore financing approaches that can help unlock capital for water resilience. By enabling collaboration and knowledge exchange, we help shape practical financing pathways that can inform the agenda leading to the 2026 UN Water Conference.


### Accelerate basin-level partnerships and adaptive governance

Facilitate cross-sector dialogue to help scale basin-level partnerships and advance adaptive governance for integrated water management. This work supports coordination platforms such as the Water Resilience Coalition and helps share practical lessons across regions.


### Enable policy and innovation collaboration

Bring together policymakers, innovators and ecosystem partners to explore policy approaches that enable innovation and support the uptake of scalable water solutions. Through the UpLink HCL Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative and its partner network, we help connect innovation ecosystems and highlight pathways for regional action on water innovation.


## Our latest publications on water innovation

[Discover our insights](https://initiatives.weforum.org/api/communities/v1/public/initiatives/site/page-redirect?initiative_id=836b97ac-13cb-4508-b5c5-f1e716c5b0e5&page_id=175fadd6-653b-4868-a458-ec714c839637)


### Aligning Investment Strategies with Water Innovation

Water is at the heart of global resilience, yet it receives just 3% of climate tech funding. This paper reveals the diverse range of water innovation investment opportunities and how they align with different investor profiles, risk appetites, and industry verticals.

[Read the report](https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Investing_in_Water_Aligning_Investment_Strategies_with_Water_Innovation_2025.pdf)


### Investing in Water: A Practical Guide

Investment in water technology is essential for addressing the climate crisis. By modernizing water infrastructure and adopting smart water solutions, we can build resilient water systems that support economic growth, protect public health, and mitigate climate impacts. 

[Read the report](https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Investing_in_Water_A_Practical_Guide_2024.pdf)


### Join us

Whether you want to access the latest expert opinions and analyses, follow our events, or take action through our initiatives, by becoming a member of our community you will join a global network for impact.

[Get involved](https://initiatives.weforum.org/water-futures/get-involved)


### An initiative of the Centre for Nature and Climate

Accelerating net-zero climate action, regenerating food, water and ocean systems, and promoting circular economies.

[Discover more](https://www.weforum.org/centres/centre-for-nature-and-climate/)


## Forum Insights

*World Economic Forum insights and analysis*