Editorial
As we approach the end of 2025, the past months have once again reminded us how essential collaboration and knowledge sharing are for addressing the complex challenges related to water.
One key milestone was the final conference of the Water JPI, held on 23–24 October in Málaga, Spain. For more than a decade, the Water JPI has been a cornerstone of shared research in Europe, uniting scientific teams around crucial topics related to freshwater. Building on this legacy is vital for Water4All, as we look ahead to strengthen our collective capacity for impactful, collaborative water research across Europe and beyond.
At the same time, Water4All is actively preparing for the future, notably through the elaboration of the Exit Strategy requested by the European Commission as part of the Horizon Europe programme. Together with other co-funded partnerships (on marine waters, food, cities, biodiversity, etc.), we have joined a joint working group to explore possible post-2030 scenarios. A dedicated workshop in early December will help shape a common vision, reinforcing cooperation, alignment, and knowledge sharing among partnerships.
This newsletter also offers the opportunity to share our Position Paper on the European Water Resilience Strategy, which reaffirms the central role of Water4All as a key instrument for implementing this strategy.
Looking ahead, the 2026 UN Water Conference, to be held in December 2026, will represent another major milestone in strengthening global water governance and advancing the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6. Water4All intends to play an active role by organising strategic side events and mobilising the international water community around freshwater resilience in the face of global change. But more on that in our next editions!
Enjoy the read, and thank you for being part of our shared journey toward a water-secure future for all.
Benjamin LOPEZ - CEO
Water4All Activities
Water4All Network
The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for twelve years from 2022.
The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame.
All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.
These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.
This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play, especially the scientific research community.
Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as it is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource.
International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.
Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.