In many regions of the world, water is already under stress. As such, decisions around water governance are essential, particularly as water demands are expected to rise by 50% by 2050. To enhance capacity for these decisions, SIWI developed the GO-Water programme with support from SIDA. The programme focuses on bringing together ministries, agencies, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to increase capacity around water security challenges.

Since its inception, GO-Water has advanced water governance capacity in Iraq, Uganda, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. The programme adapts its focus area based on the needs identified in a particular locality, such as WASH regulation (WASHREG) in rural areas of Colombia, or coordination and cooperation in Uganda. Participants have reported that GO-Water has brought a wide range of positive results including improved governance and efficiency within their authorities, the creation of an environment of trust, improved communications, as well as significant improvements to regulatory frameworks.

Further to its local and national operations, GO-Water has created a framework around water governance for low and middle income countries, and has developed new partnerships with UNDP Cap-Net and ADERASA, as well as an online course on WASHREG in Spanish and English with support of UNDP Cap-Net. In 2023, GO-Water concluded phase one of the project and is currently exploring new partnerships for phase two.