International leadership

Global water security is a growing issue. It drives the need for international cooperation.

Focus on sustainable water management is increasing worldwide due to:

  • water scarcity
  • growing demand for water
  • climate pressures.

For over 30 years we’ve:

  • invested in efficient water use practices in rural and urban sectors
  • progressed national reform to manage our scarce water resources
  • ensured water security for future generations.

We do this through science-based water policy and adaptive water management practices.

Australia is a recognised global leader in water policy and reform and we share our experience in water management around the world.

Our commitment

Our goal is to use our experience to contribute to global action on sustainable water management.

Our international commitment includes:

  • sharing our water policy, reform and management practices
  • learning from international experience and innovation
  • support for Australia’s climate and environment interests
  • fulfilling international water obligations
  • supporting government foreign policy agenda and international development activities.
  • contributing to international water initiatives.

Many Australian Government agencies are involved in this work, including:

States and territories also have arrangements and projects in place with several countries.

How we contribute

Australia contributes policy and technical advice to high-profile international organisations:

We also support the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6). The goal is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all .

Part of our role is the national focal point to lead Australia’s reporting on progress against the SDG6.

We also manage bilateral water agreements with partner countries and share our expertise and experience with other countries and in multilateral forums.