What are the latest global data on water-use efficiency and water stress?

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as sound management of freshwater ecosystems, are fundamental to sustainable development. This is the goal of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which includes water management approaches supported by international cooperation, capacity building, and stakeholder participation.

Within the Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG6 (IMI-SDG6) coordinated by UN-Water, FAO, as the custodian agency for the monitoring of SDG indicators under target 6.4, has developed and launched the reports that present an update of the latest consolidated data in the monitoring process of indicators 6.4.1 “change in water-use efficiency” and 6.4.2 “level of water stress”. These reports highlight data collection challenges along with some recommendations to accelerate an equitable increase in water-use efficiency and a reduction of water stress, especially in those areas that are more affected by unsustainable water use. They also provide technical experts, policymakers, regional and international organizations, and civil society, with the information needed to establish, implement and strengthen data-based policies, and offer an interpretative insight into the indicators.