Global leaders seek investment to close water gap
New York: Global business, investment and philanthropy leaders have called for stronger private-sector involvement in water infrastructure as the world faces an annual investment gap of up to $141 billion to achieve universal access to water and sanitation. About 50 chief executives, investors and philanthropy leaders gathered at the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations in New York…
New York - Global leaders have convened to urge private sector investment in water infrastructure, as an estimated $141 billion annual gap exists to achieve universal access to water and sanitation. At the 'Unlocking Water Investments, Unlocks Growth' roundtable, held at the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN, 50 executives, investors and philanthropists discussed how to turn promising water projects into financially viable investments.
Experts emphasized water's pivotal role in economic growth, energy security, food production and urban development, noting that only 2% of water spending in developing nations comes from private sources. Meanwhile, the World Bank estimates a $131-$141 billion annual investment is needed to reach universal water and sanitation coverage by 2030.
Participants examined barriers like risk allocation, regulatory risks and the need for patient capital, while also considering the potential of digital and AI-enabled solutions to make water technologies more affordable in developing economies. The discussions underscored the importance of combining technology, financing, and local capacity, particularly in emerging markets, as part of a broader effort to boost water resilience ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
