Foreword Access to freshwater is changing rapidly worldwide, with water stress affecting billions of people and countless businesses each year. At the same time, extreme water-related events – such as droughts and floods – are becoming more frequent and severe. Water pollution continues to rise, with emerging risks from microplastics and “forever chemicals” further compounding the challenge. While we may not yet have reached a tipping point, current trends indicate that without urgent action, we could be approaching one in the near future. Every industry depends on water. This makes water resilience – ensuring that water systems can prepare for and respond to future disruptions and shocks – not just an environmental concern, but a cornerstone of economic stability, business continuity and prosperity. Rising demand, driven by population growth, shifting consumption patterns, and the energy transition, is further straining resources. With the economic value of water estimated at $58 trillion – roughly 60% of global GDP – its critical importance and the scale of the challenge cannot be overstated. No company or government can build water resilience alone. With the recent report published by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, alongside advances in data-driven insights and reporting requirements, we now have both the data and the agency to place the hydrological cycle at the heart of our thinking and decision-making. Equipped with these tools, we are better positioned than ever to drive meaningful progress. Businesses, governments and financial institutions can work together to drive investment, improve governance and embed resilience in the way we steward our water resources. The World Economic Forum’s Water Futures Community is bringing together leaders from the private and public sectors to accelerate investment and action. In collaboration with McKinsey & Company, this report outlines key pathways to strengthen water resilience and highlights opportunities for collective action. Our aim is for this community of partners to use the report as guidance and reference. We hope the various tools, examples and best practice shared here will help foster more partnerships and accelerate solutions at scale. Taking decisive steps today – through strategic investments, better governance and cross-sector collaboration – can help secure clean, reliable and sustainable water resources for current and future generations to come. The years ahead will depend on how we act now.Gim Huay Neo Managing Director and Head, Centre for Nature and Climate, World Economic ForumDavid Gonzalez Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company Water Futures: Mobilizing Multi-Stakeholder Action for ResilienceMarch 2025 Water Futures: Mobilizing Multi-Stakeholder Action for Resilience 3

Water Futures Mobilizing Multi Stakeholder Action for Resilience 2025