Our four key objectives are to:
1. Conduct innovative research and knowledge synthesis
Despite a decade of work, there is still no formal and comprehensive synthesis of water research generated by the global water research community.
Water Future will introduce a process to systematically collect and test the growing corpus of knowledge within policy and management domains to develop sustainable solutions for water problems.
Water Future aims to create a close exchange between research, policy making and practice.
2. Find solutions to complex water problems through stakeholder collaboration
Water Future is developing a Water Solutions Laboratory to bring together the world’s leading knowledge providers and industries to collaborate and tackle specific water problems, identify solutions and implement monitored action.
We will draw on the latest developments from the water science industry, placing them into a planning and design process for water solutions, and engage the private and public sectors to combine forces for innovation in a solutions lab.
3. Future-proof our water system through a comprehensive assessment of our global water system
Water issues are embedded in nearly all of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); good water stewardship is fundamental to meeting the sustained needs of humans and ecosystems, and achieving these goals.
The challenge to the scientific water community is how to assess and govern risk related to the SDGs to ensure the needs of all are met now and for future generations.
Water Future will function as the scientific arm of a series of new global water system assessments focusing on the SDGs to support improved decision-making and management under increasing risk and uncertainty.
4. Influence policy-making through capacity building and outreach
Water Future will assist in the professional development of the next generation of water scientists and practitioners to build their capacity for successful science-policy interactions.
The programme will influence policy making at a global scale through active dialogue between scientists, policy-makers, water managers and the general public, and prepare students and young water professionals to design integrated and ecosystem-based systems that secure our water future.