Partnerships

IWMI fosters partnerships that prioritize social and gender equity, climate resilience, and conflict mitigation, including for marginalized communities. By working closely with governments, civil society, user groups, national research institutes and the private sector, IWMI develops sustainable solutions for water and land management that are tailored to local needs.

Collaborative approach

IWMI’s success hinges on its extensive network of partnerships. By collaborating with over 400 stakeholders — including governments, farmers, water managers, development organizations, and the private sector — IWMI fosters a multi-stakeholder approach that enhances knowledge sharing and collective action. This collaborative framework allows IWMI to leverage diverse expertise and local insights, ensuring that solutions are contextually relevant and effective.

New strategy on collective action for water security

IWMI has launched a new strategy for 2024–2030 that emphasizes collective action as a cornerstone for enhancing water security. This strategic framework focuses on three key areas: mitigating water risks, overcoming global inequalities, and managing water sustainably. By harnessing the power of partnerships, IWMI aims to develop adaptive and robust solutions that have lasting impacts on water management challenges. Under the motto “Driving Action. Propelling Change,” the strategy promotes interdisciplinary and systems-oriented research, encouraging collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and community stakeholders to effectively address complex water issues.

Evidence-based solutions through partnerships

Through joint efforts, IWMI combines rigorous research, innovative technologies, and practical experience to tackle complex water management issues. Our teams engage local project partners, including community organizations and extension officers, to conduct rapid training needs assessments and develop tailored training modules. This collaborative engagement not only strengthens local capacities but also increases participation and uptake of water management solutions.

Driving development from the ground up

IWMI’s partnerships extend across Africa and Asia, where a sustained field presence enables the Institute to work closely with local stakeholders. By providing the latest data, analysis, and tools directly to these partners, IWMI empowers communities to address critical water management challenges effectively. This approach ensures that solutions are not only scientifically sound but also socially equitable and sustainable.

Partnerships in action

The Transformative Futures for Water Security Initiative (TFWS) serves as a vital mechanism for IWMI to build partnerships across diverse sectors, including policy, business, development, and science. By fostering inclusive dialogues and collaborations, TFWS aims to bridge the gaps between science and policy, ensuring that water-related challenges are addressed through collective action and innovative solutions. This initiative emphasizes the importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders, including youth, to co-create strategies that enhance water security and resilience.

Partner with us

For more information about IWMI’s work and opportunities for collaboration, please contact us.

Mark Thomson

Mark Thomson

Director – Business Strategy and Delivery

Latest news about partnerships

The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar and IWMI partner on water policy research

The collaboration will advance policy research to deliver innovative, sustainable and equitable solutions in response to climate challenges in India …

The Water Resilience Tracker is reframing climate policy across the Global South

From Nepal and Malawi to Egypt and Brazil, policymakers are making more strategic climate decisions by integrating water into their approaches …

IWMI contributes water solutions to UAE AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development

Through CGIAR’s AI Hub, IWMI researchers lend expertise to a global push to apply AI in agriculture and water resilience …

Kenya set to make irrigation a driver of development

IWMI supports Kenya’s public sector to build evidence-driven, inclusive and climate-resilient irrigation systems aligned with the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan …