【Epoch Times April 16, 2026 Report】(Epoch Times reporter Chen Yuyan comprehensive report) The World Bank announced on April 15, in collaboration with multiple multilateral development banks and development finance institutions, the formal launch of the "Water Forward" global plan, aiming to help 1 billion people improve water security within the next four years, by 2030. This plan will expand investment in water resource management and encourage governments to view water as a strategic economic resource, rather than a low-cost public utility. The World Bank emphasized that in the future, multilateral development banks, governments, charitable organizations, and the private sector will work together to promote financing and professional technical support to enhance public access to reliable water services. The World Bank pointed out that water resources are fundamental to ensuring health, food production, and energy supply, and are crucial for economic operations. The primary task at present is to provide large-scale stable and reliable water services to ensure normal social and industrial operations in various regions. The World Bank estimates that by the end of this decade (2030), the global demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40%, and water-related impacts have already caused several percentage points of annual economic growth loss in some countries. Climate change continues to exacerbate droughts and floods, putting heavy pressure on public finances and vulnerable groups, especially in rapidly growing cities. A report last year estimated that over 2.1 billion people lack safe drinking water, and over 3.4 billion people live in environments lacking adequate sanitation facilities. The World Bank noted that with about 4 billion people globally still facing water scarcity, in many countries, unclear policies, weak regulation, and lack of financial sustainability in public water institutions have led to slow progress in the water sector, inhibiting related investments. The "Water Forward" initiative aims to address these challenges, supporting developing countries in building more complete and reliable water resource systems, thereby releasing productivity, improving livelihoods, and promoting private investment. The core of this initiative is the "Water Resource Compact" led by the national government, through which governments clarify their reform priorities, commit to strengthening institutions, and establish investment pathways in the water sector. Currently, 14 countries in water-scarce regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia have announced their water resource compacts, prioritizing efforts to reduce urban water leakage, modernize irrigation systems, enhance wastewater reuse, and strengthen data governance; more countries are also working on related efforts. The initiative will support countries in implementing necessary reforms to strengthen relevant mechanisms, improve financial performance, and develop projects with investment conditions. Participating institutions include the Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank, OPEC Fund for International Development, International Fund for Agricultural Development. The World Bank pledged to help 400 million people achieve water security by 2030, and with additional investment from partners, the "Water Forward" initiative is expected to benefit over 1 billion people.