At the United Nations STI Forum 2026, the Waterlight Save Initiative has issued an urgent call for global collaboration to overhaul water systems using science, technology, and innovation. The appeal centres on accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which addresses clean water and sanitation.
During a high-level thematic session on transforming water systems, the organisation’s Founder and President, Prince Ero Ibhafidon, declared that clean water is not merely a basic human need but a cornerstone of health, economic stability, climate resilience, peace, and sustainable development.
He highlighted acute pressures on vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa and other developing regions, where water insecurity, poor sanitation, climate impacts, and weak infrastructure persist.
Waterlight Save Initiative used the platform to showcase its interventions, which expand clean water access, improve hygiene and sanitation, empower youth, bolster climate resilience, and advance sustainable development in marginalised areas.
The group stressed the need to embed innovation into water management through renewable energy, digital tools, data-led planning, and climate-smart infrastructure capable of scaling impact among at-risk populations.
Stronger multi-sector partnerships are also essential, the Initiative argued, calling on governments, private enterprises, civil society, multilateral bodies, and technology developers to close widening gaps in water access.
According to the organisation, achieving SDG 6 demands more than policy pledges—measurable investment and decisive action at grassroots level are critical.
The Initiative continues to expand its global footprint with humanitarian and development programmes spanning water, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, renewable energy, and sustainable livelihoods. It reports that millions of children and young people across Africa and beyond have already been reached.
Reaffirming its commitment, Waterlight Save Initiative pledged to support UN efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, championing resilient communities through innovation-driven development.
