On Wednesday, July 16, the virtual international discussion "Water Security in Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of Water Funds on Public Water Policies" was held . This event brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, international cooperation agencies, and civil society to discuss the strategic role of Water Funds in building sustainable, multisectoral policies. Organized by the Water Fund for Lima and Callao (Aquafondo), and with the active participation of ECLAC, the meeting highlighted concrete experiences and regional initiatives that are transforming the approach to water governance in the region.

The discussion was opened by Ms. Mariella Sánchez, Executive Director of the Lima and Callao Water Fund (Aquafondo), who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships for integrated water management. Ms. Ana Elizondo, Head of the Water Security Project at the FEMSA Foundation and representative of the Latin American Alliance of Water Funds, presented an overview of the positive impact of Water Funds on regional water security.

During the meeting, key topics were addressed for advancing toward real and lasting water security in Latin America and the Caribbean. One of the central reflections focused on the strategic role of Water Funds as multi-stakeholder governance mechanisms capable of mobilizing financing and facilitating interventions in watersheds through nature-based solutions (NBS).

Experiences from various Water Funds in the region were shared, with an emphasis on initiatives developed in Guatemala, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Peru. These experiences highlighted how collaborative schemes contribute to closing social gaps in key sectors such as sanitation, agriculture, and environmental conservation.

The event was closed by Silvia Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer of the Natural Resources Division of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). In her remarks, she emphasized that water security is an essential pillar for the region's sustainable and resilient development. She particularly highlighted the role of Water Funds as catalysts for NBS, noting that Latin America and the Caribbean reached a total investment of US$390 million in this type of solution in 2023, with Peru leading the way in terms of scale, with more than 250 projects underway and US$75 million invested. She also presented the TOPP (Technical, Operational, Political, and Prospective) institutional capacity approach, proposed by ECLAC as key to more comprehensive water governance with a long-term vision. Finally, she extended an invitation to all participants to participate in Regional Water Week 2025, co-organized by ECLAC, which will be held from October 6 to 10 in Santiago, Chile, and which will include the Fifth Regional Water Dialogues.

This event reaffirms the commitment of regional stakeholders to strengthening institutional capacities and promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable public policies related to water management.