EIB Joins Global ‘Water Forward’ Coalition, Pledges Water Security for 300 Million People by 2030

As the European Union’s financial arm and the world’s largest multilateral financier of water projects, the EIB brings substantial capacity to the coalition.

In a major boost to global efforts to tackle water scarcity, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has joined the newly launched Water Forward initiative, committing to help deliver water security for 300 million people by 2030—a significant contribution toward the coalition’s broader goal of reaching one billion people worldwide.

The announcement, made during the World Bank Group–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, signals growing momentum among global financial institutions to address what experts describe as one of the defining development challenges of the 21st century.

A Global Coalition to Tackle a Growing Crisis

Water Forward brings together an unprecedented alliance of:

• Multilateral development banks

• National governments

• Private sector investors

• Philanthropic organisations

The initiative is designed to address critical gaps in:

• Financing

• Policy frameworks

• Institutional capacity

that continue to hinder progress on water access, sanitation, and climate-resilient systems.

The scale of the challenge is stark: more than two billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, with millions more facing unreliable or unsafe supply.

EIB Steps Up as a Major Financier

As the European Union’s financial arm and the world’s largest multilateral financier of water projects, the EIB brings substantial capacity to the coalition.

EIB President Nadia Calviño described the pledge as both a commitment and a strategic priority:

“This is a major contribution to improving health and life opportunities globally. Partnerships like this are exactly what the world needs now.”

She also confirmed that when the EIB assumes leadership of the multilateral development bank (MDB) group next year, water and climate resilience will rank among its top five priorities—signalling a long-term institutional shift toward water security.

Three Pillars: People, Food, Planet

Water Forward is structured around three interconnected pillars:

• Water for People – expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation

• Water for Food – strengthening irrigation and agricultural water systems

• Water for the Planet – protecting ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience

This integrated approach reflects the growing recognition that water underpins:

• Public health

• Food security

• Economic development

Climate Change Driving Urgency

The initiative comes as climate change intensifies pressure on global water systems, with rising temperatures, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events disrupting supply and infrastructure.

Experts warn that without coordinated action:

• Water shortages could limit economic growth

• Food systems could face increased instability

• Vulnerable populations could face heightened risks

Water Forward aims to address these challenges through large-scale, coordinated investment and policy reform.

From Local Solutions to Global Scale

Through the initiative, the EIB will collaborate with partners to:

• Mobilise public and private investment

• Support national policy reforms

• Scale up proven, locally adapted solutions

These include:

• Drinking water and sanitation systems

• Irrigation infrastructure

• Flood protection measures

• Ecosystem restoration projects

The focus on country-led implementation ensures that interventions are tailored to local conditions while benefiting from global expertise and financing.

A Shift Toward Coordinated Development Finance

Water Forward represents a broader transformation in global development strategy—moving from fragmented projects toward integrated, multi-stakeholder platforms capable of delivering impact at scale.

By aligning financial resources, technical expertise, and policy frameworks, the coalition aims to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation).

A Defining Decade for Water Security

With billions still lacking access to safe water and climate risks mounting, the next decade is seen as critical for closing the global water gap.

The EIB’s entry into Water Forward adds significant financial weight and institutional leadership to the effort—reinforcing the message that water security is no longer a sectoral issue, but a global priority tied to health, stability, and economic growth.

As the coalition begins implementation, its success will depend on sustained collaboration, innovative financing, and the ability to translate global ambition into local impact.