ADB and Japan Launch US$10 Million Water Security Fund
ADB and Japan Launch US$10 Million Water Security Fund / Photo: ADB
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan have established the Water Initiative for Security, Efficiency and Resilience (WISER) Fund to strengthen water security across Asia and the Pacific. Japan's initial contribution to the fund amounts to US$10 million.
The fund was launched at a ceremony in Tokyo on 21 July 2026. WISER Fund resources will support ADB's developing member countries in improving water supply systems, reducing risks associated with floods, droughts and other water-related crises, and introducing digital and innovative solutions for water resources management.
ADB President Masato Kanda said effective water management is essential for sustainable development because water-related challenges can adversely affect agriculture, businesses and people's quality of life.
Japan's Minister of Finance, Satsuki Katayama, said investment in the water sector is a key requirement for the region's sustainable development. She said Japan would contribute US$10 million to the new fund and share its expertise in reducing water losses, managing water supply and sewerage systems, developing sanitation infrastructure and responding to emergencies.
ADB said Asia and the Pacific remains one of the world's regions most vulnerable to water-related risks. More than 40% of all floods worldwide occur in Asia. At the same time, about 220 million people in the region lack access to basic water supply services, while around 520 million do not have access to basic sanitation services.
According to ADB's Asian Water Development Outlook, 2.7 billion people in the region have moved out of conditions of extreme water insecurity since 2013. However, the bank said these gains could be threatened by environmental degradation, increasing water risks and insufficient financing for infrastructure projects.
The new fund will draw on Japan's experience in water disaster risk management, resilient infrastructure, digital technologies and professional training. WISER Fund financing will support project preparation, policy development, technical training, knowledge sharing and the strengthening of water governance.
Between 2021 and 2025, ADB committed US$12.7 billion to the water sector, improving living conditions for about 63 million people.
Through its Water Forward initiative, ADB plans to provide 100 million people with access to safe water, sanitation, irrigation and other water-related services between 2026 and 2030.
Founded in 1966, ADB has 69 members, including 50 from Asia and the Pacific. The bank finances sustainable development, infrastructure and environmental protection projects in partnership with its member countries.
