High-level representatives from 6 Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) — Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening water security and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) during the recently concluded SDG 6.5.1 Regional Workshop.
The workshop titled “Leveraging SDG 6 for Accelerated Water Investments in Caribbean SIDS” was held from 9–10 July 2025 in Grenada, hosted by the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the G-CREWS Project, and the Government of Grenada.
The workshop was attended by several high-level delegates, including permanent secretaries, technical officers and directors with line responsibilities for water and water resource management authorities from participating countries.
The workshop brought together key water stakeholders, including high-level representatives such as permanent secretaries, directors, experts from ministries and sectors with responsibilities related to water, such as water, agriculture, environment, tourism, and health. Their collective participation was instrumental in identifying investment opportunities, sharing good practices, and advancing regional efforts toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, particularly Target 6.5.1, which calls for the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) by 2030.
“It is not just about infrastructure or policy — it is a matter of human dignity, economic security, and intergenerational justice,” remarked the Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, The Environment and Renewable Energy, Grenada, as she delivered keynote remarks.
While the Caribbean is among the most water-stressed regions in the world when measured against our capacity to store and distribute clean, reliable water, IWRM remains a pressing responsibility and regional priority, explained Chair of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean Professor Paulette Bynoe.
Bynoe said, “Water security is not just a development issue — it’s the foundation of our region’s resilience, health, economy, and environment. Caribbean SIDS face rising climate threats, ageing infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment. The time to act is now.”
Regional Coordinator for the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean Dr Roxanne Graham-Victor expressed that the workshop created an open and engaging environment for meaningful exchange across countries and sectors.
According to Dr Graham, it provided “A space to bring your country’s story, your sector’s voice, your institutional perspective, and real-world experiences — sharing practical solutions that work or are ready to be tested,” as it relates to IWRM.
IWRM is a participatory process that aims to manage water resources in a sustainable way, considering social, economic, and environmental needs. While many have embraced the concept, full adoption and implementation of IWRM remains a work in progress.
Vincent Sweeney, Head, Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, UN Environment Programme, explained that UNEP is proud to support the workshop, which he confirmed to be “A space for practical peer exchange, collaborative action planning and building forward momentum.”
During discussions on enhancing regional implementation efforts, Facilitator Chris Corbin emphasised the need to shift beyond traditional planning toward more tangible, inclusive, and phased actions. “We want to move from a planning process to one that is inclusive and action-based. These actions must be realistic — things we can achieve in the short term without requiring major financial investments, while also identifying medium and long-term actions where external resources are expected to play a role,” Corbin stated.
The workshop concluded with a renewed pledge from Caribbean SIDS to strengthen cooperation, invest in climate-resilient water infrastructure, and support IWRM implementation through the development of mini action plans for participating countries.
GWP-C
