The World Bank Group is set to deepen the global water economy with the launch of a new initiative aimed at unlocking jobs, strengthening the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) sector, and driving economic growth.

The initiative, Water Forward: Driving Jobs and Prosperity, will be unveiled on Wednesday during a flagship event at the ongoing Spring Meetings, holding at the World Bank’s MC Preston Auditorium and virtually.

According to the Bank, water plays a critical role in sustaining about 1.7 billion jobs globally across agriculture, industry, energy, and services. However, inadequate access to reliable water systems continues to constrain productivity, limit investments, and slow economic development, particularly in emerging economies.

The Water Forward initiative seeks to address these gaps by strengthening water security, improving institutional coordination, and scaling partnerships that can mobilise financing for water infrastructure and services.

President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, is expected to lead discussions at the event, alongside global policymakers, private sector leaders, and development experts.

Other speakers include Reem Alabali Radovan, Kate Hampton, Carlos Piani, Danielle Kamtié, and Bastián Pedreros Montero, with moderation by Julie Hyman.
The Bank noted that fragmented financing and weak coordination across water-related institutions have long hindered progress in the WASH sector, but said the new initiative would help align investments and accelerate impact.

By deepening the water economy, the initiative is expected to expand access to clean water and sanitation, create jobs, enhance public health outcomes, and unlock new economic opportunities across developing regions.

The event is scheduled to be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EDT/UTC-4) and will be streamed live to a global audience.