IHP-IX 3.1. Support for scientific research methods to accurately collect, analyze, interpret, and exchange data.

Development and use of scientific research methods by the scientific community supported to correctly collect, analyze, interpret and exchange data. 1. Synthesis on measurements and data, including a synthesis paper, organization of the capitalization of knowledge, results and experience available in the UNESCO Water Family, including the Flagships. 2. Establishing an International Open Water Symposium to advance data-related scientific research and its applications, including, inter alia, cloud-computing for remote sensing applications, big data and spatial data infrastructures to support integrated watershed management, publication and dissemination of the scientific papers presented and developing a dedicated special issue in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. 3. Compilation and harmonization of knowledge products across sources and custodians of data and monitoring systems from collection, validation, analysis, assessment and reporting perspectives, in partnership with WMO, and engagement with the scientific community on the associated needs and the-state-of-the-art to stimulate research and enhance data services. 4. Scientific examination of existing and emerging standards and protocols and preparation of a compendium of methods, standards, and recommended practice, in collaboration with WMO. 5. Investigations on how to extract information from available data on human and water systems to inform the building process of socio-hydrological models and conceptualizations, in partnership with IAHS

Collaborating Entity(ies)

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)

Contributing Action Number

CA4.20

Primary Entry Point

4: Accelerate progress and transformational change

Additional Entry Point(s)

3: Align UN system support for integration

Output(s)

Output 3.2: Integrated policy frameworks to manage water and sanitation across sectors are supported by the UN system using latest data and evidence

Output 4.2: High-quality, disaggregated water and sanitation data and information are available and shared transparently through strengthened national and sub-national monitoring systems and regional and global platforms with support from the UN system

Output 4.3: Institutional and human resources capacity development support that responds to national needs and priorities is provided by the UN system, contributing to a skilled water and sanitation workforce

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)

Cross-cutting work on SDG 6

SDG target 6.1: Achieve safe and affordable drinking water

SDG target 6.2: Achieve access to sanitation and hygiene and end open defecation

SDG target 6.3: Improve water quality, wastewater and safe reuse

SDG target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency and ensure freshwater supplies

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

SDG target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems

SDG target 6.A: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building

SDG target 6.B: Support stakeholder participation

Water-related work on other SDGs

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

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.