The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is an institution, specifically one of the 13 research and training institutes that comprise the United Nations University (UNU), the academic arm of the UN. It is often referred to as the UN's "Think Tank on Water".
The Institute was established in 1996 through an agreement with the Government of Canada, with its headquarters in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Its creation was a direct response to the emerging concern over the growing global water crisis and its detrimental impact on human health and sustainable development.
UNU-INWEH works by bridging the gap between scientific evidence and the practical needs of policymakers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Its mechanism involves four key areas: synthesis of existing research, cutting-edge targeted research, application of science-backed solutions, and public outreach. The Institute’s mission is to help resolve international water challenges through research and capacity development on issues like water resource management and ecosystem health. It is governed by the UNU Council, which reports annually to the UN General Assembly.
The Institute connects directly to the broader UN system by representing the UNU in UN-Water, the inter-agency coordination mechanism for freshwater and sanitation issues. Its work supports decision-makers in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A significant recent development is the Institute's report, published on January 20, 2026, which declared that the world has entered an era of "Global Water Bankruptcy". This new concept defines a state where long-term water use exceeds resupply and damages nature so severely that previous levels cannot realistically be restored, marking a shift from the previous language of "water crisis". The core focus on water, environment, and health remains the same, but the Institute has introduced this new, more urgent framework for understanding the global water challenge.