UK Launches £18.5 Million Drive to Tackle Global Water Crisis
At the first UN Water Conference in 40 years, UK Climate and Environment Minister Lord Goldsmith unveiled a bold new 5-year plan to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable water to millions across Asia and Africa.
Millions to Benefit from Clean Water and Sanitation
- The £18.5 million UK-funded programme aims to improve water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services in poor and rural communities, including urban informal settlements.
- Focus includes schools—boosting menstrual hygiene—and health facilities, cutting infection rates and improving patient care.
- The initiative supports the UK government’s mission to prevent avoidable deaths among mothers, young children, and infants by safeguarding health and reducing disease.
Building on a Decade of Success
Between 2010 and 2020, UK aid helped 120 million people gain access to clean water and sanitation. Since 2020, hygiene education campaigns have reached 1.2 billion people—promoting handwashing to fight COVID-19 and other deadly diseases.
Clean water access frees women and girls from hours of water collection, unlocking education and employment opportunities.
Lord Goldsmith Issues Stark Warning
“Access to water is a human right and it is shocking that by 2030, 1.6 billion people will still not have a safe, reliable water supply,” said Lord Goldsmith.
“We urgently need to scale up global action to help governments improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Our new funding builds on the UK’s long-standing commitment to prevent deaths, boost education, create jobs, and fight poverty.”
Water Crisis Looms as Demand Soars
The UN Conference comes as global freshwater demand is forecast to exceed supply by 40% by 2030. Lord Goldsmith will meet world leaders and private sector players to push for smarter water management worldwide.
This effort aligns with the UK’s COP26 presidency, which launched initiatives like the Fair Water Footprints scheme with Malawi—ensuring the goods we consume come from sustainable, just, and fair water use.
