On 22 September 2025, a Roadmap for the G20 Presidential Legacy: Global Outlook Council on Water Investments was unveiled as world leaders gathered for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
This marked the latest step in a global journey – from its launch in Cape Town, to its recognition as a core pillar of GWP’s new Strategy in Stockholm, and now to the UNGA stage. The journey continued in Geneva, Switzerland, where on 2 October a high-level diplomatic briefing at WMO Headquarters offered governments an opportunity to join GWPO as Sponsoring Partners.
Cape Town: GWP supports African Union and G20 President, South Africa in convening Water Investment Summit – US$10-12 billion investment pipelines identified
The Global Outlook Council on Water Investments was first launched by G20 Chair H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, at the Africa Water Investment Summit in Cape Town (August 2025), co-convened by South Africa, the African Union, and GWP. The Summit identified USD 10–12 billion annually in priority investment pipelines through the Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP). As a direct follow-up, the Global Water Investment Platform (GIP) was launched as part of the Council — together serving as the world’s premier high-level political and investment platform on water.
Heads of State and Leaders at the opening of the AU – AIP Africa Water Investment Summit on 13 August 2025
Stockholm: New Strategy 2026-2030 launched – Committing to scale up water investments and G20 engagement
The Global Outlook Council on Water Investments and GIP also form a core pillar of GWP’s new Strategy 2026–2030, launched following the Summit on the sidelines of World Water Week in Stockholm. The Strategy sets out plans to unlock USD 15 billion in water investments by 2030 and was welcomed by donor partners and multilateral development banks in the presence of H.E. Retno Marsudi, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water.
Partners welcome new GWP Strategy – Confirming availability to collaborate
In Stockholm, Mr. Alex Simalabwi, CEO of GWPO & Executive Secretary of GWP, met with partners to explore collaboration around the new GWP Strategy 2026–2030, alongside discussions on strengthening cooperation and advancing global water initiatives.
H.E. Cui Aimin, Ambassador of China to Sweden – met to strengthen GWP’s cooperation with China
H.E. Retno Marsudi, Special Envoy on Water – United Nations – met to coordinate on the UN 2026 Water Conference
Dr. Mark Smith, Director General – IWMI – met to explore possible research collaboration
Ms. Yumiko Asayama, Chief Manager – Japan Water Forum – explored Japan’s engagement in GWP and global platforms
Mr. John Matthews, Executive Director – AGWA – explored possible collaboration opportunities on water and climate adaptation
…to the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA) in New York
In September, the focus turned to the UNGA, where a High-Level Consultative Dialogue was hosted by the Government of South Africa with the support of GWPO, UNCDF, and WMO. At the Dialogue, the Roadmap for the Council was formally presented by South Africa’s Water Minister Hon. Pemmy Majodina.
The Global Outlook Council will operate from 2025 to 2029 with a Joint Secretariat led by UNCDF, WMO, and GWPO, supported by Oxford University and other partners including regional development banks and the private sector. Speaking on behalf of the Joint Secretariat, Alex Simalabwi, CEO of GWPO and Executive Secretary of GWP, welcomed proposals for a global de-risking mechanism to unlock the initial pipeline of USD 10–12 billion identified at the Cape Town Summit.
Partners in New York – Confirming readiness to collaborate
In New York, alongside the UN General Assembly and the High-Level Dialogue on the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, Alex Simalabwi, CEO of GWPO and Executive Secretary of GWP, met with governments, UN agencies, and partners to advance cooperation on water investments, the Roadmap for the Council, and GWP’s new Strategy 2026–2030.
Dr. Stefan Uhlenbrook, Director – WMO – met to strengthen partnerships between WMO and GWP
H.E. Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability – UAE – followed up on the UN 2026 Water Conference and coordinated on the Roadmap Delivery
Ms. Cecilia Scharp, Director for WASH – UNICEF – discussed agreement in principle to scale partnership between UNICEF and GWPO
Dr. Charles Ehrhart, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer – Green Climate Fund – met to strengthen collaboration
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner – European Commission – discussed possible alignment on strategy between the EU and GWPO
Ms. Sherry Madera, CEO – CDP – discussed private sector engagement in unlocking private sector financing
Mr. Matt Damon, Actor and Co-Founder – Water.org
Ms. Vedika Bhandarkar, COO – Water.org – explored synergies and joint financing and fundraising
Hon. Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation – South Africa – planned for follow-up with South Africa leadership on Roadmap delivery and advocacy
H.R.H. Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme Climate Change Envoy – Netherlands – discussed strengthening Dutch cooperation on water investment
Mr. Muyatwa Sitali, Head of Country and Partner Engagement – SWA – explored joint advocacy and alignment
Prof. Jeffrey Sachs – engaged on Prof. Sach’s Champion status for the Global Outlook Council on Water and the visibility thereof
Hon. Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation – South Africa hands H.E. Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability – UAE, the Terms of Reference and Roadmap for G20 Presidential Legacy- Global Outlook Council on Water Investments