In September 2015, world leaders formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets which are aimed at stimulating action over the next 15 years in areas of critical importance for a more equitable and sustainable world. The strong linkages between the SDGs underlines the notion that progress on each goal will be critical for progress on others, with increasing understanding for the implementation of the SDGs through an integrated framework that demands close collaboration at all levels of governance. As a result, the water-energy-food nexus has emerged as a crucial policy and governance approach for integrated planning and implementation of the SDGs.

Water and energy are closely interlinked and interdependent. Energy generation and transmission requires utilization of water resources, particularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources. Conversely, about 8% of the global energy generation is used for pumping, treating and transporting water to various consumers.