Lost expectations from a watershed moment: The 2023 UN Water Conference

Highlights The anticipation and optimism surrounding the 2023 UN Water Conference led to high expectations in addressing the global water challenges. The international community gathered in New York did not avail some key opportunities to create robust water institutions and implementation mechanisms. A drastic change in financial mobilization for global water challenges is required, and it must go together with significant institutional enhancements. The global water crisis must be considered a standalone issue and so propagated, while creating meaningful engagements with other sectors of the economy.