UN-Water

03/06/2026

Why do countries need support in their work on water and sanitation?

While progress on SDG 6 continues, many countries face challenges linked to climate change, financing gaps, technical capacity and coordination across institutions.

At the same time, countries increasingly recognize that water drives progress across health, food, energy, livelihoods and economic development.

Explore the answers to some of the most common questions on water and sanitation cooperation: on https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/questions-people-ask-how-un-works-countries-water-un-water-q7jre

01/06/2026

🌍 The climate crisis explained in seven graphs.

New UNEP data shows how rising greenhouse gas emissions are reshaping the planet — intensifying floods, heatwaves, droughts and water insecurity.

But the reports also show signs of hope: emissions are beginning to fall in some countries as clean energy and efficiency efforts accelerate.

Explore the latest findings from UNEP’s climate reports.
https://buff.ly/0Pkl0r5

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30/05/2026

A new UNU-INWEH report highlights the hidden water costs of the global energy transition.

As demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital infrastructure grows, so do the pressures on water resources and communities.

The report finds that:
💧 Global lithium production consumed an estimated 456 billion litres of water in 2024.
💧 Around 16% of critical mineral extraction occurs in areas already facing high water stress.
💧 Communities near mining regions are experiencing water shortages, pollution and impacts on livelihoods.

The report calls for stronger governance, stricter pollution controls and greater transparency to ensure that the transition to clean energy protects both people and water resources.

Read more ⬇️

The report finds that rising demand for minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital infrastructure is driving significant water use, pollution and health risks — with impacts falling disproportionately on vulnerable communities. In 2024, global lithium production consumed an e...

29/05/2026

Applications are now open for the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation.

The appointment will be made during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council (7 September – 9 October 2026).

🗓 Deadline for applications: 9 June 2026 (12:00 Geneva time)

Learn more about the mandate and application process through the Human Rights Council Secretariat.

Appointments at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council (7 September – 9 October 2026) What's new The call for applications for the mandate of Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions has been cancelled. The appointment is scheduled to be made at the 64th session o...

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

🩸 Happy Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026!

Today marks the launch of the global consultation on the draft Shared Agenda for Action on Menstrual Health and Hygiene — a collective effort to strengthen action, accountability and investment for menstrual health worldwide.

Menstrual health is linked to dignity, health, education, gender equality and climate resilience. Yet too many girls and women still face stigma, inadequate services and limited access to affordable products.

The public consultation is now open until 28 June, inviting governments, youth networks, civil society, UN agencies, academia and partners to help shape a shared vision for menstrual health.

🌍🩸 The global consultation for the Shared Agenda for Action on Menstrual Health and Hygiene is now open. This Shared Agenda has been developed by UNICEF, the Global Menstrual Collective, and partners from 50+ countries. It aims to guide evidence informed global action on menstrual health in th...

27/05/2026

How does the UN work with countries on water and sanitation?

Water connects health, food systems, climate resilience, education, jobs and economic development. That is why coordinated support matters.

The UN system works with countries in many different ways to help strengthen water and sanitation systems and accelerate progress on SDG 6.

Curious how the UN supports countries on water? Read more: on https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/questions-people-ask-how-un-works-countries-water-un-water-q7jre

27/05/2026

🩸 Menstrual health and hygiene are essential for dignity, education, health and equality.

On 28 May, the world marks Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 under the theme — calling for stronger action to end stigma, improve access to menstrual products and information, and strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene services.

A draft “Shared Agenda for Action on MHH” will also be launched for public feedback, helping strengthen political commitment and investment worldwide.

Observed annually since 2014 and coordinated by WASH United, with support from organizations including the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), MH Day aims to raise awareness of the challenges many women and girls face in managing menstruation safely and with dignity. The annual campaign encourages action t...

25/05/2026

Groundwater Matters for People and Planet

Groundwater sustains communities, ecosystems, food systems and economies worldwide — yet its vital role often remains invisible.

Join the first webinar in a new series organised by the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) with the UN-Water Expert Group on Groundwater, contributing to the 2026 UN Water Conference.

🗓 27 May 2026 at 14:00–15:30 CEST
🗣 English with simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish

The session will explore how groundwater supports people’s daily lives and interacts with climate, ecosystems and sustainable development.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rMJ-63OiSx6MkNLX_hYfug #/registration

23/05/2026

| Technical Advisor, UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation

UN-Water is recruiting a Technical Advisor to support the implementation of the UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation and its Collaborative Implementation Plan.

The role will contribute to strengthening coordination, partnerships and integrated approaches across the UN system to help accelerate progress on SDG 6.

🌍 Home-based
📅 Application deadline: 29 May 2026

Key areas of work include:
💧 SDG 6 and country support
💧 UN system coordination
💧 Water and sanitation policy
💧 Climate, biodiversity and sustainable development linkages
💧 Knowledge products, workshops and stakeholder engagement

Apply here: https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/3037