Why it matters
Safe water and sanitation are essential for health, food security, and economic development. Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity in many regions, threatening the achievement of this goal.
Key facts
- 2.2B2.2 billion people still lacked safely managed drinking water in 2022.Source: UN SDG Report 2024
What the world agreed to
Key targets for Goal 6. The full list, with indicators, is on the UN's site.
See all targets on sdgs.un.org- Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water
- Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all
- Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous materials
- Protect and restore water-related ecosystems including mountains, forests, and wetlands
Take action on Goal 6
Campaigns on this goal
Things you can do this week
Community
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Who leads globally
4 UN agencies and international organizations work on Goal 6.
- UNEPUnited Nations Environment ProgrammeSets the global environmental agenda and promotes sustainable development.
- UN-HabitatUnited Nations Human Settlements ProgrammePromotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities.
- UNICEFUnited Nations Children's FundWorks for children's rights, survival, development and protection.
- WHOWorld Health OrganizationDirects international health and leads partners in global health responses.
Closely connected goals
Progress here moves together with these goals.