#United States #New York #Heineken #Water Resilience Coalition #CEO Water Mandate

Progress in Water Management by Corporate Leaders

Ahead of World Water Day, the CEO Water Mandate's Water Resilience Coalition has made significant progress in engaging the private sector to tackle global water stress. The recent announcement includes the addition of two noteworthy corporations, Grundfos and Haleon, bringing the Coalition's total membership to an impressive 40 major companies. Collectively, these organizations represent a market value exceeding $5 trillion, demonstrating the critical mass of corporate commitment to water sustainability.

Aiming for the Future

The Water Resilience Coalition, guided by the CEO Water Mandate, is focused on establishing water resilience in both operations and supply chains of its member organizations. Aiming for a target in 2030, the Coalition is poised to facilitate collaborative action in improving water conditions across 100 of the world’s most water-stressed regions. This ambitious mission is pivotal as global water scarcity continues to pose risks not only to businesses but also to communities and ecosystems globally.

Noteworthy Collaborations

In conjunction with this expansion, the Coalition announced an escalated initiative led by Heineken in the Rio Bravo River Basin that spans both the United States and Mexico. This partnership aims to enhance the management of water resources in this pivotal area, strengthening corporate relationships and building impactful collaborations necessary for sustainable water management practices. Heineken, already a key player in advancing water resilience, is enhancing its strategies to address immediate water challenges in collaboration with local stakeholders.

Jason Morrison, Head of the CEO Water Mandate, articulated the significance of this momentum: “The arrival of new members, coupled with strengthened commitments from existing partners, underscores the evolving perspective on water stewardship as a fundamental business necessity.” With companies like Heineken taking a leading role, the Coalition is encouraged to develop infrastructural collaborations that support strategic investments towards enhanced regional water management.

Commitment to Water Resilience

In 2025 alone, over 60 companies have endorsed the CEO Water Mandate, tallying a total of 478 endorsers committed to advancing water resilience within their operational frameworks and supply chains. This collective effort reinforces the importance of transparency and community engagement as central components for effectively tackling water-related challenges.

The CEO Water Mandate, a collaborative endeavor between the UN Global Compact and the Pacific Institute, emphasizes the urgency of addressing water stewardship through continuous improvement in six core areas: direct operations, supply chain and watershed management, collective action, public policy, community engagement, and transparency. More than a decade after its inception in 2007, the Mandate continues to empower businesses to recognize and manage their water risks proactively.

The Role of the UN Global Compact

As a significant initiative of the United Nations, the Global Compact advocates for responsible business practices aligned with ten key principles covering human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. It seeks to unify businesses towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring accountable practices are put in place. With over 18,000 participating companies from more than 101 countries, it stands as the largest corporate sustainability initiative worldwide.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these advancements, the urgency to act is imperative given the escalating global water crisis. As more corporations join the movement, their shared responsibility in building water resilience cannot be overstated. The strategic actions taken today will directly influence future water availability and security. Through persistence and collaboration, the Water Resilience Coalition and its endorsers are paving the way toward a sustainable future, one that prioritizes and safeguards the world’s most precious resource—water.

Ultimately, as the initiative continues to gain traction, the combined efforts of business leaders, policy makers, and communities will be instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by water scarcity. Creating actionable results will require the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders involved, aiming for a shared goal of effective water management and preservation for generations to come.