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More than 17 government agencies and departments came together to develop the U.S. Global Water Strategy in order to address the “growing global water crisis that may increase disease, undermine economic growth, foster insecurity and state failure, and generally reduce the capacity of countries to advance priorities that support U.S. national interests.”

The report lists four strategic objectives that will be used to guide the government’s work:

  1. Increasing sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, and the adoption of key hygiene behaviors;

  2. Encouraging the sound management and protection of freshwater resources;

  3. Promoting cooperation on shared waters; and,

  4. Strengthening water-sector governance, financing, and institutions.

In order to achieve these objectives, the report states “the United States will provide technical assistance; make targeted investments in sustainable infrastructure and services; promote science, technology, and information; mobilize financial resources; engage diplomatically; and, strengthen partnerships and intergovernmental organizations”. A portion will be achieved through direct foreign assistance to countries where the U.S. determines that the needs are the greatest and the engagement provides the best opportunity to protect national security interests.