An independent institute, built to deliver across borders.
As a think-and-do institute, GIWEH moves international expertise from concept to reality, carrying proven solutions across borders and into results people can feel.
Vision
A world where every community has the knowledge, institutions and means to secure water, protect the environment and advance health, with dignity and resilience.
Mission
To help countries advance their Sustainable Development Goals by convening partners, building knowledge and capacity, and delivering projects through a global network of experts.
Values
Our story: 2007 to today
- 2007 to 2011
Foundation
Founded in Geneva as an independent institute. Early programmes with UNEP; the GIWEH Water Award launched in 2009 at the Palais des Nations; the ICWRE conference and Youth Leadership Programme begun by 2011.
- 2012 to 2016
Influence
Joined the World Water Council, the Swiss Water Partnership Steering Board and the Asia Water Council Board; built the 2030 monitoring framework with the University of Geneva.
- 2017 to 2021
Prominence
UN ECOSOC consultative status and UN-Water partnership; led the Citizens’ Process at the 8th World Water Forum; first field projects from Nepal to Egypt.
- 2022 to 2026
Expansion
Reach widened to six regions; COP29 in Baku; the first Africa Water Operators Conference in Nairobi.
- 2027 onward
Transformation
By its twentieth anniversary, GIWEH aims to stand on three pillars and a network across six regions, with a decade ambition to reach ten million people across fifty countries by 2037.
How GIWEH is governed
Members (the General Assembly) elect the Board of Governance; an independent statutory auditor reviews the accounts.