Global Wastewater Initiative (GW²I)

What is the Global Wastewater Initiative?

Member states of the GPA endorsed the creation of the Global Wastewater Initiative (GW²I) to: prompt synchronized action; encourage investments in the field of wastewater; facilitate cooperation, coordination and synergy amongst all stakeholders; identify and foster opportunities which can be applied by countries or scaled up.

The GW2I is a global multiple stakeholder platform comprised of UN agencies, international organizations, governments, scientists, private sectors and Major groups and stakeholders to provide the foundations for partnerships to initiate comprehensive, effective and sustained programmes addressing wastewater management.

It is a voluntary network of stakeholders with an international Steering Committee and a Secretariat to be provided by UNEP/GPA.

Finally, it is a space to work under thematic groups on major issues, challenges and potentialities of wastewater such as wastewater reuse, nutrient removal, biogas production, etc.

Expected outcomes

Improved synergy among stakeholders including scientists, NGOs, the private sector, governments and international organizations for more effective wastewater management;

Healthier ecosystems and improved human well-being;

Increased opportunities and benefits realized and concerted national and international efforts to embed effective wastewater in national development plans;

Enhanced knowledge generation, sharing and utilization for better wastewater management;

Enhanced recognition of wastewater as a resource and an opportunity by decision makers and stakeholders;

Increased utilization of the 3R approach worldwide;

Enabled complementarities between the GW²I and relevant Conventions and other international instruments, action plans, initiatives, and activities;

Systematic publication of scoping papers and global assessments on emerging wastewater issues;

Increased mobilization of resources to address wastewater challenges.