ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL5.SDGS/2026/RFSD/Background paper.3
Country: Arab region
Publication Type: Information material
Cluster: 2030 Agenda and SDG Coordination
Focus Area: 2030 Agenda
Initiatives: Monitoring Sustainable Development Goal Data, Arab Forum for Sustainable Development
SDGs: Agenda 2030, Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Keywords: Arab countries, Capacity building, Desalination, Drinking water, Sanitation, Gulf states, International cooperation, Resilience, Sustainable development, War, Water harvesting, Water management, Water quality, Water supply, Women's health
Accelerating inclusive implementation of SDG 6 for improved resilient water security in the Arab region
May 2026
The present background note presents progress and policy priorities related to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on water and sanitation in the Arab region. The region has made measurable progress in expanding access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. However, significant gaps persist, with tens of millions of people still lacking access to basic services. Structural water scarcity, declining water quality and the overexploitation of limited freshwater resources continue to constrain progress, compounded by financing shortfalls.
Against this backdrop, the note highlights the growing impact of conflict and climate-related pressures on water infrastructure and service delivery, including extensive damage to water systems and heightened vulnerability. To accelerate progress towards SDG 6, the note calls for integrated water resources management, increased investment in resilient infrastructure, enhanced data systems and evidence-based policymaking, and strengthened regional cooperation. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting water systems during conflicts, diversifying water sources, improving water use efficiency in agriculture and increasing international concessional funding in the water sector, while ensuring inclusive approaches that promote gender equity and community participation.
- Accelerating inclusive implementation of SDG 6 for improved resilient water security in the Arab region
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy in times of crisis in the Arab region
- Advancing SDG 9 in times of crisis: a focus on infrastructure in the Arab region
- Arab cities on the frontline: advancing SDG 11 amid escalating crises
Related content
2030 Agenda
The present background note presents progress and policy priorities related to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on water and sanitation in the Arab region. The region has made measurable progress in expanding access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. However, significant gaps persist, with tens of millions of people still lacking access to basic services. Structural water scarcity, declining water quality and the overexploitation of limited freshwater resources continue to constrain progress, compounded by financing shortfalls.
Against this backdrop, the note highlights the growing impact of conflict and climate-related pressures on water infrastructure and service delivery, including extensive damage to water systems and heightened vulnerability. To accelerate progress towards SDG 6, the note calls for integrated water resources management, increased investment in resilient infrastructure, enhanced data systems and evidence-based policymaking, and strengthened regional cooperation. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting water systems during conflicts, diversifying water sources, improving water use efficiency in agriculture and increasing international concessional funding in the water sector, while ensuring inclusive approaches that promote gender equity and community participation.
- Accelerating inclusive implementation of SDG 6 for improved resilient water security in the Arab region
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy in times of crisis in the Arab region
- Advancing SDG 9 in times of crisis: a focus on infrastructure in the Arab region
- Arab cities on the frontline: advancing SDG 11 amid escalating crises
