IWMI on a “Positive Transformational Trajectory,” CGIAR External Review Finds

IWMI on a “Positive Transformational Trajectory,” CGIAR External Review Finds

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) announced on 27 October 2026 that it was the first CGIAR center to go through a new external review process, an independent assessment of IWMI as a research-for-development institution. The review concluded that IWMI is on a “positive transformational trajectory,” with strong strategic foundations, a distinctive water-security mandate, a substantial and diversified output base, and growing operational reach.

How the review worked

IWMI’s Board of Governors commissioned the review, CGIAR’s Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES) managed it, and an external panel carried it out earlier in 2026. It covers 2020 to 2025.

Milestones and recommendations

Milestones noted for the period include the launch of IWMI’s Gender and Inclusion Strategy and the Transformative Futures for Water Security dialogues, which produced eight missions for action on water security launched at the UN 2023 Water Conference. The review also points to IWMI’s work with countries hit hardest by extreme weather, and to AI and digital tools for water management. The panel made eight recommendations, which IWMI has accepted.

What IWMI says

Board Chair Henk Ovink said IWMI came through multiple crises and the One CGIAR reforms stronger, and Director General Mark Smith said the review arrived at the right time. The report coincides with the midpoint of IWMI’s 2024–2030 strategy, and the recommendations will feed into the strategy review and refresh.

Background

IWMI is a CGIAR research center focused on water security in developing countries. It is a non-profit scientific research organisation working on the sustainable use of water and land resources in developing countries.

Conclusion

The review gives IWMI an external endorsement at a moment when water issues are moving up global agendas ahead of the UN Water Conference. How the eight recommendations are reflected in its refreshed strategy will be the next thing to watch.

Source: IWMI, “IWMI on a ‘positive transformational trajectory,’ external review finds,” 27 October 2026 (iwmi.org).