A renewed focus on water security within the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

Water security is integral to worldwide human and economic development objectives. Yet despite many successes, global forecasts show that achievement of universal water security remains elusive. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, because it is universal and comprehensive, offers an opportunity to renew the discourse on water security. It is argued that achievement of all water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and underlying targets is crucial to the success of the entire suite of SDGs pertaining to universal health, food security, gender equality, sustainable consumption, resilient urbanization, and conservation of marine resources and terrestrial ecosystems. A comprehensive approach requires broad engagement of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, governments, private businesses and industries, researchers and scientists. National governments and international development community must help create an enabling environment for all these stakeholders.