At the AU – AIP Africa Water Investment Summit 2025, held in Cape Town, South Africa, H.E. Retno Marsudi, United Nations Special Envoy on Water, delivered a powerful address affirming her commitment to advancing Africa’s water agenda.
H.E. Marsudi accepted the invitation to serve as a Champion for the Global Outlook Council on Water Investment—a role that underscores her leadership in mobilizing global action for sustainable water development. She emphasized that investing in water infrastructure in Africa is not an act of charity but a strategic imperative for global prosperity, sustainability, and equity.
H.E. Retno Marsudi, UN Special Envoy for Water, to serve as Champion of the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments
With Africa’s population projected to reach 1.4 billion and its youth poised to drive future growth, H.E. Marsudi highlighted the continent’s potential as a global powerhouse in climate resilience, agriculture, and energy security. Her inclusion as a Champion reflects the trust placed in the United Nations to address urgent water challenges through impactful collaboration.
H.E. Marsudi pledged to advocate for water investments guided by the Triple-A principle—Accessibility, Affordability, and Availability. She also committed to reinforcing political will, institutional capacity, and strategic cooperation across sectors.
“The true measure of success lies in what we deliver next.”
H.E. Retno Marsudi’s address to the AU – AIP Africa Water Investment Conference
Launch of the Global Outlook Council
H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and G20 President, launched the Council on 13 August 2025 during the official opening of the Summit. The Council serves as the world’s premier high-level political and investment platform on water.
The Council’s key functions include:
- Tracking global progress on water security.
- Unlocking finance and aligning efforts across the G20, UN, and private sector.
- Mobilising leadership and innovation to transform water from a crisis sector into an opportunity sector.
Comprising current and former Heads of State, global leaders, and senior public and private sector representatives, the Global Outlook Council will lead high-level engagement to transform water security systems amid the global climate emergency.