21 March 2018: The UN University (UNU) and Water Future, a part of the Future Earth research initiative, have launched a capacity development programme to promote water security. The programme, known as ‘2030WaterSecurity,’ aims to facilitate implementation of the water-related aspects of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) will manage 2030WaterSecurity. The programme will equip young water professionals with data and communication tools to improve the uptake of knowledge in policy making for water security. UN-Water defines water security as the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to water for livelihoods, human well-being and socio-economic development, ensuring protection from water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace.

The programme will equip young water professionals with data and communication tools.

The 2030WaterSecure programme will liaise closely with UNU-INWEH’s ‘Water Security and Nexus’ initiative, a global effort to help countries and their development partners to manage trade-offs in intersectoral water allocation, find solutions to transboundary water issues, relieve pressures on freshwater ecosystems, better understand the dynamics around water-driven migration, and resolve issues related to the water-energy-food nexus in specific settings.

The programme will also work closely with the UN Water Learning Centre, a training center for professionals in developing countries. The Water Learning Centre offers its courses online, through a regional network of training institutions and universities. The centre offers courses in topics such as sustainable water management, water health, mangrove ecosystems, and climate change. [UNU Press Release] [UNU-INWEH Press Release] [2030 Water Secure Brochure] [UNU-INWEH Water Security and Nexus Web Page] [UN Water Learning Centre] [Future Water Web Page]