What the Stage 1 support entails

Stage 1 of the SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme will:

• Support national focal points in up to 13 Pacific countries to complete the 2026 SDG 6.5.1 survey, with personalized, in person and remote assistance based on prior engagement and technical needs.
• Develop and deliver Pacific-specific training materials that complement existing global SDG 6.5.1 tools.
• Provide regional capacity-building opportunities, including webinars, pre-training sessions, and both in-person and online workshops.
• Facilitate quality assurance and timely submission of the First Draft and Final Draft survey packages to the SDG 6.5.1 Help Desk, in line with the agreed 2026 timeline.

Why this matters for the Pacific region

For the Pacific Island Countries, the Stage 1 support plays a critical role in reducing the reporting burden, as the survey is a country led self-assessment designed to build on existing knowledge and align with national and regional processes already in use.

The SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme is delivered through three stages. While Stage 1 focuses on identifying opportunities and challenges, subsequent Stage 2 and Stage 3 support can potentially unlock implementation opportunities for participating countries. This phased approach creates a pathway from reporting to concrete improvements in IWRM implementation, contributing to more sustainable water management across the Pacific region.