UN-Water

Necessity is the mother of invention.

In some water-scarce regions, communities are capturing freshwater directly from fog. Specially designed mesh collectors harvest tiny water droplets from the air and channel them into storage tanks for use by people, agriculture and ecosystems.

Fog water harvesting systems are already being used in a number of countries where conditions are suitable. As highlighted in the UN-Water Analytical Brief on Unconventional Water Resources, collecting atmospheric moisture can be a vital additional water source where rainfall is low and erratic and groundwater is difficult to access.

Read FAO's story:
https://www.fao.org/newsroom/story/capturing-fog-to-make-water/en

Learn more about unconventional water resources:
https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-water-analytical-brief-unconventional-water-resources-0

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How can we accelerate progress on water and sanitation?

Join UN-Water on 7 July 2026 for a special event at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

The programme includes:
💧 Launch of the UN SDG 6 Synthesis Report on Water and Sanitation 2026
💧 Launch of the SDG 6 Country Acceleration Case Studies 2026
💧 Open Dialogues on the 2026 UN Water Conference

Together, these discussions will help drive cooperation and action towards achieving .

Learn more: https://www.unwater.org/news/high-level-political-forum-sustainable-development-2026

Strengthening SDG 6 monitoring in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

National institutions and UN partners are meeting in Freetown this week for the SDG 6 Monitoring Inception Workshop, working together to strengthen water and sanitation monitoring.

By building technical capacity, identifying priority support needs and improving coordination across all SDG 6 indicators, the workshop will help strengthen the evidence needed to guide action on water and sanitation.

Strong data helps countries make better decisions—and accelerate progress towards SDG 6.

Learn more about the UN-Water Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6: https://www.unwater.org/our-work/integrated-monitoring-initiative-sdg-6

🌍 What is net zero? Why does it matter? And what can we do about climate change?

The free online course Net Zero 101: What, Why and How from UNU-IAS provides a simple introduction to climate science, the impacts of climate change, and practical solutions for building a net-zero future.

📚 Self-paced
🎓 Digital certificate upon completion
🌱 No technical background required

A great opportunity to build your climate knowledge and take action.

Net Zero 101: What, Why and How A free online course on the basics of climate science and net zero.

What is the hidden water cost of the energy transition?

A new report by United Nations University explores how rising demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital infrastructure is affecting water resources and communities worldwide.

The report finds that:
💧 Global lithium production consumed an estimated 456 billion litres of water in 2024.
💧 About 16% of critical mineral extraction occurs in areas already facing high water stress.
💧 Communities near mining regions are experiencing water shortages, pollution and impacts on livelihoods.

The report calls for stronger international standards, better pollution controls and greater transparency to ensure the transition to clean energy protects both people and water resources.

Read the report here ⬇️ https://www.unwater.org/news/unu-inweh-report-critical-minerals-water-insecurity-and-injustice

Discover more stories and updates from across the UN-Water family: https://www.unwater.org/news

UNU-INWEH report: Critical Minerals, Water Insecurity and Injustice The report finds that rising demand for minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital infrastructure is driving significant water use, pollution and health risks — with impacts falling disproportionately on vulnerable communities. In 2024, global lithium production consumed an e...