As we reach the final page, we, the authors, thank you for embarking on this journey towards water security with us. Your dedication to understanding this critical issue fuels our hope for a more sustainable future for our planet and the life it supports.

Throughout this book, we have explored the role of water security in sustainable development and the intricate relationship between water and global challenges. We have learned that water is not just a resource but a critical element at the heart of sustainable development. Its scarcity hinders progress on other pressing issues like climate change, poverty and hunger, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. We have acknowledged that our leaders have recognized water's critical role through a dedicated goal, SDG 6, within the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and established targets which cover the entire water cycle.

Key learnings and the centrality of water security

We hope this exploration has equipped you with a comprehensive understanding of water security and its interconnectedness with all economic sectors and humankind's aspirations for its future. We delved into SDG 6's specific targets, recognizing its centrality in achieving sustainable development. We have observed the limitations, if not the impossibility, of BAU in achieving these targets. We also explored the ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness of SDG 6 monitoring frameworks, critically evaluating the challenges associated with monitoring progress towards these targets.

The importance of diverse perspectives in water management became clear, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders and clear communication as critical tools for addressing global challenges. We learned about the “hardware” and “software” solutions needed for water security, recognizing that tangible infrastructure development and intangible governance reforms are crucial.

The concept of the WEFE nexus (water, energy, food and environment) highlighted the critical links between water and other vital resources. We discussed the need for integrated approaches that consider these interlinkages, thus contributing to and benefiting from accelerated progress on interconnected global issues.

Water security is essential for a healthy planet and prosperity for all

By now, you will understand that water plays a pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges. Sustainable water- management strategies offer a ripple effect, fostering progress on interconnected issues and leading us towards a more sustainable future. Working together across political and sectoral boundaries is essential for achieving this goal.