The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan have launched the Water Initiative for Security, Efficiency and Resilience (WISER) Fund to strengthen water security across Asia and the Pacific. Announced on 21 July 2026 in Tokyo, the new fund will receive an initial $10 million contribution from Japan to help countries address growing water-related challenges, including floods, droughts, and water scarcity.
The WISER Fund will support ADB’s developing member countries by improving water infrastructure, reducing disaster risks, enhancing water-use efficiency, and promoting digital technologies and innovative solutions. It will also finance project preparation, policy reforms, technical training, knowledge sharing, and stronger water governance to build long-term resilience.
ADB President Masato Kanda emphasized that reliable water systems are essential for economic growth, public health, and clean energy development. Japan’s Minister of Finance Satsuki Katayama highlighted the country’s expertise in water management, sanitation, disaster risk reduction, and efficient water infrastructure, noting that Japan will share its knowledge through the new partnership with ADB.
The initiative comes as Asia and the Pacific continue to face significant water security challenges, with millions of people still lacking access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Increasing climate risks and insufficient infrastructure investments are placing additional pressure on water resources across the region.
The WISER Fund builds on ADB’s ongoing investments in the water sector, which totaled $12.7 billion between 2021 and 2025, benefiting around 63 million people. Through its Water Forward initiative, ADB aims to improve access to safe water, sanitation, irrigation, and climate-resilient water services for 100 million people by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific.
