Catalysing private investments in water and sanitation with climate Impact

Achieving universal access to water and sanitation requires substantial investments, estimated at US$1.7 trillion annually - three times the current level of funding. The negative impacts of climate change further exacerbate the water crisis, widening the financial gap and hindering progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). Bridging this significant funding gap requires a strategic, multi-stakeholder approach, with private investors embracing the water sector as a viable financial opportunity.
This panel will highlight investment cases where de-risking mechanisms, facilitated by public, private and philanthropic funds, have successfully attracted private investment into the water sector, and discuss the role of blended finance to enable climate-smart solutions for WASH.
In Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in complementing government efforts to provide access to WASH services. Increasing private investment in WASH SMEs is essential to addressing water challenges, expanding access to water, increasing their resilience to adverse climate impacts and scaling sustainably.
Aqua for All, a long-term partner of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has successfully implemented catalytic investment strategies and mobilised private capital for WASH through partnerships with asset managers and financial institutions across Africa and Asia. The concept of climate-smart blended finance for WASH is gaining momentum among the financial and business communities, with government funds being deployed to de-risk private investments in this sector.
The panellists will discuss existing investment cases and how outcomes can be improved through effective collaborations between private and institutional asset owners and public funding. Furthermore, they will explore how innovative blended finance for WASH and climate can drive transformation in the sector and contribute to achieving SDG 6.
Speakers will include, among others, representatives from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EIB, CEO Water Mandate, Howden Group, Incofin IM, the Green Climate Fund and Aqua for All who will share their experiences, offering valuable insights and lessons learned. These insights can inform policymakers, investors, financial institutions, climate and WASH practitioners, and anyone interested in climate finance for WASH.