Water and water-related ecosystems play a fundamental role in the health of the environment, providing services to people and communities and combating the impacts of climate change and all economic activities. Working on the environmental aspects of monitoring, managing and protecting water resources and freshwater ecosystems has been an integral part of UNEP’s mandate since its inception and has been embodied in various freshwater strategies in the past (UNEP 2017). For an external audience, the aim of this document is to: • Create awareness among partners and stakeholders of the state of freshwater ecosystems and the importance of protecting and restoring them. • Provide information on the work of UNEP related to freshwater. • Inspire and promote collaboration with other organizations for the benefit of freshwater, other ecosystems, people and economies. Within UNEP, the document is intended to provide a common framework for the various groups and units that each contribute to UNEP’s freshwater-related work.