Obtaining data on the water status at a given time and place is crucial for effective management. New technologies make it possible to develop transboundary monitoring programs that disseminate scientific knowledge, promote a common understanding of the problems, and convince us that we can do better together.

Freshwater resources are diminishing. Poor management and global warming are the leading causes. Large-scale investment in access to water and sanitation and prevention of impacts such as droughts and floods must be mobilized. The benefits will be financial and human. 

Another outbreak of violence in Sudan has triggered a new wave of refugees. Chad, which already hosts more than 400,000 Sudanese in 13 camps, is once again under pressure that is hard to absorb. The conflict sets off geopolitical alerts, but what about the humanitarian ones?

With more than 1.425 billion inhabitants, India is already the world's most populous nation. However, the country faces a promising future with enormous challenges. Achieving efficient agriculture that is resilient to the climate crisis is paramount. This goal will be completed by training rural communities to manage every drop of water, diversifying crops, and empowering farmers. Monsoon water harvesting and improved irrigation efficiency are two crucial strategies.

On World Water Day, we collaborated with the magazine 5W and presented Agua, its eighth issue, a refreshing example of pragmatic realism. The well-narrated facts speak for themselves and raise collective awareness. The thoroughness, depth, and accuracy of the 18 reports on water characterize an enriching journalism that will help us to continue advancing on the difficult road ahead.

689 agreements, but none binding. The recent United Nations Water Conference shows once again how difficult it is for the international community to deal decisively with the urgent sustainable and fair management of water resources. It would take 300 billion dollars to obtain one trillion dollars in benefits for humanity. Funds are available, but there is little will to invest. The good news is that water has moved to the forefront of the world's attention.

On World Water Day, the UN calls for accelerating the progress toward achieving water and sanitation for all. The road to SDG 6 has become challenging: we must complete a fourfold increase in speed. But, with cooperation, we can overcome anything. Our experience confirms it: alone, we will not succeed; if we unite, obstacles become opportunities.

A sustainable world must meet current human needs without compromising those of future generations. Therefore, it is necessary to reflect on what we understand by these concepts, the meaning of which varies dramatically depending on the human group to which we refer. The contrasts in access to water provide a reasonable basis for this reflection, which is essential if we are to agree on what we mean by sustainability.