The first meeting of the Water Policy Lab (WPL) Consortium was held on 16 March, 2022 which covered a general overview of the WPL approach and how...

WATER SECURITY
The Challenge
Water scarcity affects over 2 billion people globally, depriving them of access to safe drinking water. This crisis, exacerbated by climate change, is intensifying the frequency and severity of water-related disasters such as droughts and floods. The most vulnerable populations—poor communities, women, girls, people with disabilities, and marginalised groups—bear the heaviest burdens. These groups face not only a lack of access to clean water but also the devastating socio-economic consequences of water insecurity.
Solving this issue requires a comprehensive and holistic approach that includes improving water governance, enhancing distribution systems, upgrading infrastructure, and deploying innovative technologies. Only through coordinated efforts can we ensure that water is available for households, supports economic activities, and sustains ecosystems in a fair and sustainable way.
Our Goal and Commitment
Water insecurity is an urgent global challenge that requires innovative and sustainable solutions. At IFSD, we are committed to addressing this crisis through action-driven research and collaboration. Our goal is to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water, particularly for vulnerable communities impacted by climate change and socio-economic disparities.
By drawing on our extensive experience in water security projects, we focus on creating solutions that are inclusive, practical, and scalable. We aim to influence policies, improve water management systems, and strengthen infrastructure, ensuring that water resources are available and resilient for both people and the environment.
Our Approach
At IFSD, we employ a collaborative, systems-based approach to addressing water security challenges. By integrating diverse perspectives, we co-create innovative, sustainable solutions that cater to the long-term needs of communities and ecosystems. Our method involves engaging with stakeholders across all levels—governments, local communities, and industry—to ensure that our solutions are both inclusive and practical. We prioritise blending rigorous, research-based evidence with the lived experiences of those directly impacted by water insecurity. This holistic approach ensures that our solutions are adaptive, resilient, and beneficial for both people and the environment, now and into the future.
Latest
Elevating River Basin Governance and Cooperation in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan Region
Period: January 2021 – December 2023 Funder/client: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Australian Water Partnership...
Climate Risk Assessment to Water Security in Asia and the Pacific
Period: August 2019 – March 2021 Funder/client: Australian Water Partnership (AWP) In the Asia-Pacific region, water insecurity is looming under...