Climate policies, finance and processes
Water is central to the climate challenge; investing in water is fundamental to food security, biodiversity, gender equality and circular economy. Yet, there remains a $200 billion annual financing gap for water (and sanitation), and a lack of strong and supportive enabling environments that address the role of water for climate mitigation and adaptation.
Through provision of evidence-based guidance, policy advice, and capacity development, the International Water Management Institute seeks to support governments, public and private sector stakeholders in promoting robust policies, investments and processes that help countries build water resilience to climate change. Its programs and research:
- Promotes mobilization of all types of finance, particularly private finance, to accelerate, scale and optimize investment into water security.
- Supports better incorporation of water into national, regional and global climate strategies and platforms.
- Responds to the immediate needs of fragile states while transitioning to policies and processes that rebuild governments’ capacity to deliver services in collaboration with people.
- Improves and scales up gender-responsive financial products to enhance the adoption of water innovations in development and fragile settings.
- Strengthens gender-responsive implementation of climate-smart agriculture.
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Report
Stakeholder Forum of the Sub-sector Working Group on Irrigation (SSWG-IR): solar-powered groundwater irrigation for climate resilience and water security – overcoming barriers for sustainable and inclusive adoption in Lao PDR
International Water Management Institute | February 10th, 2026
Journal Article
GHG emission from diesel-powered irrigation pumps and mitigation potentials in agriculture sector of Nepal
Springer | February 10th, 2026
Journal Article
Climate-smart agricultural assets and household coping strategies in times of upheaval
Wiley | February 9th, 2026