Water for sustainable development, 2018-2028, aims to accelerate efforts towards achieving water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets by 2030. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as a means to highlight the importance of water for sustainable development and to promote action at all levels to ensure availability and sustainable management of water resources.

The international decade for action on water for sustainable development focuses on six key areas:

1. Water and sanitation for all: The decade aims to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services by 2030. This involves improving water and sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene practices, and ensuring equitable access for all.

2. Water quality: The decade seeks to improve water quality by reducing pollution and expanding water treatment and purification systems. This includes addressing issues such as industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and inadequate wastewater management.

3. Water efficiency and conservation: The decade aims to promote the efficient use of water resources and reduce water wastage. This involves implementing water-saving technologies, promoting water-efficient practices in agriculture and industry, and raising awareness about the importance of water conservation.

4. Integrated water resources management: The decade emphasizes the need for integrated approaches to water resources management, which take into account the interconnectedness of water resources, ecosystems, and human activities. This involves adopting sustainable water management practices, promoting ecosystem-based approaches, and strengthening water governance.

5. Climate change adaptation and resilience: The decade addresses the challenges posed by climate change to water resources and aims to build resilience to climate-related impacts. This includes implementing climate change adaptation strategies, promoting water-sensitive urban design, and enhancing water infrastructure resilience.

6. Transboundary water cooperation: The decade promotes cooperation among countries sharing transboundary water resources. This involves establishing mechanisms for joint management of shared water resources, promoting dialogue and negotiation, and resolving conflicts over water allocation.

Overall, the international decade for action on water for sustainable development seeks to mobilize political will, financial resources, and technical expertise to address water-related challenges and achieve sustainable development for all. It recognizes the central role of water in achieving multiple SDGs and calls for coordinated action at all levels to ensure water security, protect ecosystems, and improve livelihoods.