World Bank Capacity Building for Climate-Resilient WASH Services in Small Island Developing States

The World Bank launches a capacity-building grant programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to enhance climate resilience of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The initiative provides technical assistance, training, and knowledge exchange for government agencies and service providers, with a focus on asset management, water security, and disaster risk reduction. Funding up to $15 million over three years for eligible SIDS, with priority given to projects integrating climate adaptation and gender-responsive approaches.

Strategic Overview

The World Bank launches a capacity-building grant programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to enhance climate resilience of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The initiative provides technical assistance, training, and knowledge exchange for government agencies and service providers, with a focus on asset management, water security, and disaster risk reduction. Funding up to $15 million over three years for eligible SIDS, with priority given to projects integrating climate adaptation and gender-responsive approaches.

Who is it For?

National and subnational government agencies, water utilities, and regional WASH sector organizations in SIDS. International NGOs may apply in partnership with local entities. Eligible countries include Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean SIDS.

Priorities

Aligns with World Bank's Climate Change Action Plan and WASH Sector Strategy. Emphasizes climate-smart infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and South-South knowledge sharing. Emerging priorities include digital monitoring, nature-based solutions, and private sector engagement.

Eligibility

Applicants must demonstrate capacity for fiduciary management, procurement, and environmental safeguards. Requires commitment to co-financing (at least 20% counterpart funds) and adherence to World Bank's gender and social inclusion frameworks. Detailed work plan and results framework mandatory.

Path to Success

GSLI offers a sequenced capacity-building package: Phase 1: 'Needs Assessment and Proposal Design' – leverage 'Water, Sanitation, Hygiene Training Workshop' and 'Project Planning and Management' to develop a climate-resilient WASH programme logic. Phase 2: 'Financial and Operational Readiness' – apply 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Grants Management Training Workshop' to meet World Bank's fiduciary standards. Phase 3: 'Implementation and Adaptive Management' – use 'Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning' and 'Data Analysis for Project Management' to track resilience outcomes. Phase 4: 'Knowledge Exchange and Sustainability' – engage 'Leadership, Governance and Accountability for the Humanitarian Sector' to foster institutional change. GSLI's courses build the technical and managerial capacity needed to absorb World Bank funding effectively.

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Deadline: 2026-07-01

Persona: WASH

Urgency: Normal