Hosted by The World Bank, the 2030 WRG’s ambition is to use the power of public–private partnerships – what we call multi-stakeholder platforms – to create water resilience for economies and societies that face serious water challenges.
“We all know water is critical for lives and livelihoods; yet we are wasting it, polluting it, and taking it for granted. We need collective action to solve a water crisis that is wreaking havoc in villages, towns and cities across our planet,” says Unilever CEO Alan Jope. “Unilever is stepping up its action on water and we look forward to working with the 2030 Water Resources Group for bigger, broader impact.”
The 2030 WRG programmes are data-driven and see roadmaps put in place at the request of senior levels of government to help establish long-term water security at a country or state level. It’s a big ambition, but water security is a big problem that needs big changes.
“We have an opportunity to be part of the current regenerative business movement that has a focus on systems thinking to protect, restore and replenish both human capital and natural resources,” says World Bank VP for Sustainable Development, and 2030 WRG Governing Council Co-Chair Juergen Voegele. “With growing water scarcity challenges, exacerbated by climate change, it is more critical than ever for stakeholders to join forces to advance water security outcomes,” he says. “We are delighted to welcome Unilever as a global 2030 WRG partner, with its core commitment to the principles of water sustainability, equitable access and livelihood security.”
And the work has already begun. In Bangladesh, Unilever has collaborated with the 2030 WRG, alongside the Red Crescent Society, to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at Deputy Commissioner offices in 64 districts, and conduct a nationwide public education campaign on handwashing and hygiene with the aim of reaching 20 million people.