How are Global Leaders Tackling Water Scarcity?

Nearly a quarter of the global population, approximately 2.1 billion people, lack access to safe water, while 3.4 billion people lack access to safe sanitation.

To address this perennial challenge, Water.org announced the launch of a corporate-led programme known as Get Blue in Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum's 2026 Annual Meeting.

The announcement follows Davos's theme of a "blue thread", highlighting the role of water ecosystems in global trade and livelihoods.

Water.org was founded in 2009 by Gary White and Matt Damon, with the aim of bringing solutions that break down barriers between people and access to safe water. 

Since, the non-profit organisation has reached 85 million people with lasting access to safe water or sanitation to date.

Businesses leading sustainable action

The launch of Get Blue helps Water.org move closer towards its goal of reaching 200 million people by 2030.

Gary White, CEO and Co-Founder, says: "Solving the global water crisis is possible if the business community comes together and focuses on measurable change. Water sits at the centre of opportunity in the global economy.

"Get Blue gives companies a way to lead on an issue their industries depend on and to help scale solutions that are already reaching millions of people who need them. This is the kind of leadership required to end the water crisis within our lifetimes."

Get Blue is a global movement which aims to mobilise brands, creators, consumers and capital to help solve the global water crisis. 

The initiative is designed to accelerate access to safe water and sanitation through aligning global business leadership and funding behind Water.org's solutions.

Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, says: "The water crisis requires sustained, meaningful action and Get Blue is an example of what the private sector can do to help raise awareness and work together to drive solutions and impact.

"This approach builds on Amazon's aim to be a responsible water steward in communities – and water-stressed regions – where it operates, as it works to reduce water use across its operations through investment, innovation and implementation."

Cross-sector collaboration 

Water.org has partnered with Gap, Amazon, Starbucks and Ecolab to launch Get Blue, with the companies providing products, content and experiences to help fund water access. The launch of the project for consumers is planned for later in 2026.

Richard Dickson, President and CEO of Gap, says: "At Gap Inc., we bridge gaps to create a better world – and the gap between people who lack access to water, let alone clean water, is far too big. Through the launch of Get Blue, we're uniting some of the world's most influential brands behind a shared mission."

Get Blue aligns with Starbucks's business values, with the aim of tackling water scarcity in agricultural areas where the company's supplies are grown.

Marika McCauley Sine, Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks, says: "In some coffee, tea and cocoa farming regions, people lack access to clean water and sanitation. For Starbucks, helping these communities thrive is both the right thing to do and strengthens our business and supply chain."

Emilio Tenuta, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab, said on LinkedIn: “Get Blue is designed to enable consumer and B2B companies to treat water as a core operating and market issue – something that is foundational to Ecolab.

“We know that when we help customers use water smarter, we unlock growth, value and impact.

“By joining forces with global leaders to expand access to safe water, we can tackle global water scarcity and strengthen the communities in which we all operate.”

Discussing the initiative on LinkedIn, Kara wrote: "Nearly one in four people around the world don't have access to safe water. That means mothers are walking for hours – every day – to collect water for their families. Children are getting sick and missing school.

"The global water crisis is real, but we believe it's not insurmountable – and together, we can make a difference."