The Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP) express profound condolences to the governments and people of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines following the catastrophic floods and landslides that have claimed over 1,000 lives, displaced thousands, and devastated communities and infrastructure.
Escalating Climate Risks Demand Urgent Action
These unprecedented events reflect the growing impacts of climate change – including more extreme rainfall, more frequent floods, and the deepening vulnerability of water systems across the Asia-Pacific region. The tragedy underscores the urgent need to strengthen climate-resilient water infrastructure, enhance early warning systems, and improve integrated risk management.
“Our hearts go out to every family mourning the loss of loved ones in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. These floods are a devastating reminder that the world is not investing fast enough in water security and climate resilience. As GWPO, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with these countries – not only in this moment of grief, but in rebuilding systems that are stronger, safer, and more resilient for future generations.”— Alex Simalabwi, CEO & Executive Secretary, Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO)
“The scale of loss across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines is heartbreaking for all of us in the Asia-Pacific region. As communities struggle with recovery, our priority is to ensure that countries are supported with both immediate technical assistance and long-term resilience solutions. We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with governments, regional bodies, and partners to strengthen preparedness, enhance early warning systems, and accelerate climate-resilient investments that protect lives and livelihoods.”— Raymond Valiant, Regional Coordinator, GWP Southeast Asia
GWP’s Commitment to Support Affected Countries
Building on our existing presence and long-term partnerships in Asia, GWP will mobilise coordinated technical and financial support through the GWP Asia-Pacific Hub and our global climate resilience and water governance teams to help countries:
- Strengthen flood and drought early warning systems
- Accelerate climate-resilient water infrastructure investments
- Prepare and structure bankable water security projects
- Facilitate cooperation with MDBs, regional bodies, and international partners
- Support governments in risk assessments, adaptation planning, and long-term recovery strategies
This support will build on GWP’s long-standing collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) through the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) and the Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM), which provide technical expertise, tools, and guidance on drought and flood risk management.
Building on Our Asia Results to Scale Support
Building on our 2024 results across Asia, GWP has demonstrated strong capability to support countries in advancing climate-resilient water governance. In Sri Lanka, GWP South Asia supported the validation of the Climate-Smart Green Growth Strategy and Investment Plan paving the way toward USD 49 billion in climate-resilient investments by 2050. Across South Asia, cooperation among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan strengthened integrated approaches to water storage and climate-risk management. The region also advanced youth leadership and innovation, including the South Asia Youth Water Challenge, which promoted new technologies for water quality monitoring and climate adaptation.
These achievements form a solid platform from which GWP will scale up technical support, accelerate investment pipelines, and strengthen long-term recovery and resilience for Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
A Call for Scaled Investment in Water Resilience
The scale of devastation highlights a global crisis: chronic underinvestment in water security. Through the G20 Presidential Legacy Initiative on Water Investments, GWP continues to advocate for increased and better-coordinated financing. To reinforce sustainable recovery and long-term resilience, GWP will leverage the Global Water Investment Platform (GIP) – a flagship G20 Presidential Legacy Initiative – to mobilise and coordinate public and private financing for climate-resilient water investments. Through the GIP, countries can strengthen planning, develop investment-ready pipelines, and accelerate access to climate finance essential for rebuilding in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
- Expanded public and private financing for water resilience
- Strengthened national and regional water investment pipelines
- Inclusive, gender-responsive solutions that protect vulnerable groups
- Enhanced regional cooperation across South and Southeast Asia
Standing With the Affected Nations
We honour the emergency responders, community volunteers, and authorities working tirelessly to protect lives. GWPO and the global GWP Network stand ready to support Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines in both immediate crisis response and long-term efforts to build water- and climate-resilient systems.
Water security is climate security. Investing in resilience is not optional – it is a global imperative.