United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment & Health (Canada)

UNU-INWEH United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment & Health is a member of the United Nations University family of organizations.

UNU-INWEH is a member, and has served as the Chair of UN-Water, a body coordinating the water-related work of 28 UN entities and many international partners, from 2010 - 2012.

UNU-INWEH’s mission is to contribute to efforts to resolve pressing regional and global water challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people, through targeted research, capacity development, knowledge enhancement, and transfer and public outreach.

A critical factor contributing to the water crisis is the lack of indigenous capacity – educational, managerial, technological and institutional – for effective water management in many developing countries. Despite some progress, many barriers remain, including the fragmented, intermittent, donor-driven, project-based approach that has been found to be ineffective, and even damaging. UNU-INWEH contributes to the resolution of this global challenge through a unique programme of applied research and education. It conceives, develops and manages water initiatives that help developing countries build their capacity for lasting improvements in human and ecosystem health, and overall reduction in poverty.