The present paper represents the “corporate view” of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on global water quality monitoring, and the most salient issues facing GEMS/Water. It forms the basis for determining partnership activities: on one hand, the most constructive ways in which partner organizations can contribute to the successful implementation of core activities; and, on the other hand, the best ways for meeting partners’ data and service needs. This section also focuses on key projects in which GEMS/Water is, or should be, actively engaged.