IHP-IX 1.4. Scientific research to accelerate the circular economy transition of the water sector.

Conducting scientific research on the exploration of new business models, the role of water utilities, broadening engagement and partnerships, and infrastructure by the scientific community supported to accelerate the circular economy transition of the water sector. 1. Preparation and dissemination of state-of-the-art (best practices) publications on new business models, the role of water utilities, broadening engagement and partnerships, disclosure practices, and infrastructure in accelerating the circular economy transition of the water sector, as well as other industry sectors. 2. Identification of way forward and paradigm shifts of water reuse within a circular economy using ecohydrology demo sites both in agricultural and urban settings to explore new water-business models, publication and dissemination of reports and papers. 3. Intersectoral dialogue among public, private and civil water stakeholders for promoting the circular economy transition of the water sector and of other industry sectors and expansion of good practices. 4. Engagement through dialogue, publications, and events highlighting the opportunities for the corporate world, finance and investment sector and presenting best industry examples.

Contributing Action Number

CA4.11

Primary Entry Point

4: Accelerate progress and transformational change

Additional Entry Point(s)

1: Lead and inspire collective action

2: Engage better for countries

Output(s)

Output 1.2: Action is inspired by compelling and unified UN system communications and messaging on water

Output 2.2: Diverse stakeholders and partnerships are mobilized by the UN system to support countries’ progress on water and sanitation

Output 4.1: Financing strategies, frameworks and plans for investing in water and sanitation across sectors are prepared and implemented with UN system support, with particular emphasis on the financing needs of developing countries

Output 4.4: Enabling environments for water and sanitation innovation are supported by the UN system, including policies, partnerships, and transfer of technology to remove barriers, with emphasis on technology transfer needs of developing countries

SDG 6 Target(s)

SDG target 6.1: Achieve safe and affordable drinking water

SDG target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management (IWRM)

SDG target 6.B: Support stakeholder participation

Type of Engagement

Normative support (e.g. development of normative guidance, guidelines and standards)

Implementation (e.g. direct support and service delivery, pilot or larger scale)

Convening of stakeholders

Policy advice and thought leadership

Geographical Scope

Global level

Regional, transboundary and sub-regional (multi-country) level

Country-level (national, subnational and local)

More information

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000384615

Leading Entity

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation

The Contributing Actions are key initiatives supporting the United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, aligning individual and joint efforts across UN entities and partnering organizations to advance global water and sanitation goals. These actions are integrated into the Collaborative Implementation Plan (CIP) Results Framework 2025-2028, which provides a structured approach to achieving system-wide impact through coordinated UN efforts.
The Priority Collaborative Actions outlined in the framework focus on enhancing water security, improving governance, strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating progress on sanitation and hygiene. By fostering system-wide collaboration among UN agencies, these actions help drive policy coherence, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing water challenges.