A recent report by UNESCO for UN-Water, published in March 2024, reveals that 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water in the world, while 3.5 billion lack safely managed sanitation. With these figures, the UN’s goal of universal access by 2030 appears increasingly out of reach, raising concerns that these disparities could continue to worsen over time.

The Green Fund Initiative (GFI) is currently implementing projects in Bangladesh to improve access to safe drinking water. The country faces major water quality issues, with rural communities relying on well water that often contains high levels of arsenic, salinity, and heavy metals. Although 98% of the population has water access, only 59% of that water is safe to drink, leaving millions at risk. Studies by the Bangladesh Water Development Board highlight elevated arsenic levels, particularly in aquifers near floodplains. Climate change and rising sea levels are intensifying this crisis, driving up both salinity and arsenic in coastal regions. Additionally, groundwater depletion from heavy agricultural and industrial water use, combined with reduced rainfall and extreme weather patterns, further strains water resources.
GFI’s approach centers on strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities by ensuring safe drinking water access, with a strong emphasis on involving local communities in project planning and implementation.