The Partnership
The Global Water Partnership (GWP) is a multi-stakeholder network dedicated to improving water governance and mobilising climate-resilient investments for a sustainable and equitable future.
Founded in 1996, GWP comprises 13 independently managed Regional Water Partnerships, 77 Country Water Partnerships, and a network of over 2,800 Partners across 182 countries. Through its Country and Regional Water Partnerships, GWP provides a neutral platform that connects stakeholders at all levels to develop and implement solutions for water security and climate resilience.
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The Organisation
The Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) is an intergovernmental organisation and the Global Secretariat and headquarters of the Global Water Partnership (GWP) Network — connecting 13 Regional Water Partnerships, over 75 Country Water Partnerships and more than 2,800 partner organisations across over 180 countries.
From a global idea to a global institution
The GWP story began in 1996, when the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) established the Network to champion Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and transform how the world manages water.
As the Network expanded, GWPO was established in 2002 as an intergovernmental organisation to provide GWP with a permanent institutional home and Global Secretariat. Its founding Sponsoring Partners include the Governments of Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Chile, Hungary, Jordan, Pakistan and Argentina, together with the World Bank and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Over three decades, GWP has grown into a unique worldwide network connecting governments, the United Nations, development and financial institutions, civil society, academia and the private sector. Through its Regional and Country Water Partnerships, GWPO connects global policy and partnerships with regional leadership and country-level action.
Global standing and trusted stewardship
GWPO is accredited to UN ECOSOC and the UNFCCC and serves as a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Delivery Partner for Readiness and Preparatory Support, positioning the Organisation at the intersection of water, climate, development and finance.
This global standing is underpinned by strong institutional accountability. For more than 20 years, GWPO has received unqualified external audit opinions, with audited financial statements published annually. In 2025, GWPO was supported by more than 20 funding partners, including governments, global financial institutions, climate finance institutions, the private sector and other international partners.
A new era of global transformation
In June 2025, GWPO entered a new era. As part of its Global Transformation Agenda, additional States and governments are being invited to accede to the founding Memorandum of Understanding as Sponsoring Partners — broadening governmental ownership and strengthening GWPO’s intergovernmental foundation.
The 2026–2030 Strategy and Transformation Agenda builds on three decades of GWP leadership while sharpening its focus on water investment and finance, water diplomacy and governance, and knowledge, capacity and innovation. Its mission is to support countries in the financing, governance and management of water resources for sustainable, climate-resilient and equitable development — moving from policy to investment, and from commitments to action at scale.
In 2026, this transformation took a historic step with GWPO’s relocation from Stockholm and the establishment of its primary global headquarters in Windhoek, Namibia, with a second headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa. From its new global headquarters, GWPO is strengthening its ability to connect political leadership, the United Nations, finance, knowledge and implementation across regions and countries.
Global governance
The GWPO Global Secretariat is led by Alex Simalabwi, Chief Executive Officer of GWPO and Executive Secretary of the GWP Network, and is accountable to the GWP Global Board (Steering Committee), chaired by Hon. Pablo Bereciartua. The Board brings together distinguished members from across the world, providing strategic oversight and diverse global perspectives.
Our Vision
A Water Secure World
Our Mission
Supporting countries in the financing, governance and management of water resources for sustainable, climate-resilient and equitable development.
13 regions. 75+ Country Water Partnerships. 2,800+ partners. 180+ countries.
One global network — connecting global leadership with local action to turn water security into investment, action and impact.
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A Network in Transformation
Announced in February 2025, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and its Regional Water Partnerships worldwide are embarking on a Global Transformation Agenda to accelerate and scale up mobilisation and deployment of climate-resilient water investments.
About the Global Transformation Agenda
Spearheaded by GWP, the Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments aims to:
- Drive high-level engagement with G20 and global leaders through the Global Transformation Council, comprising former and current Heads of State
- Scale up financial partnerships with MDBs, climate funds, and private investors to unlock new financing mechanisms
- Decentralise the Global Water Partnership Organisation into 4 Technical Support Hubs across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America & Caribbean, and Europe, working jointly with GWP Regional Water Partnerships to accelerate programming and delivery for climate resilience water investment solutions for countries and partners
- Establish the GWPO Transition Office in South Africa to lead the transition and relocation of GWP’s global secretariat