Webinar on efficient water management highlights the role of local governments in water resilience
The event explored integrated water management, water security and the inclusion of a gender perspective as key elements in building more resilient and sustainable cities
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Latin America (GCoM) supported the webinar “Efficient Water Management through Local Governments,” held on September 11, 2026, as part of a series of learning and dialogue opportunities aimed at strengthening local capacities to address climate challenges.
The event brought together local governments, specialists and technical representatives to discuss the challenges municipalities face in water management, resilience, urban planning and equity. The agenda highlighted the importance of better data, risk-informed planning, stronger participation and more efficient, integrated and inclusive water management.
Speakers included Monserrat Peña, Head of the Gender and Equity Department at Mexico’s National Association of Water and Sanitation Utilities (ANEAS), who addressed gender integration in water management and security; and Eduardo Santillán Gutiérrez, a professor and researcher at the University of Colima’s Faculty of Architecture and Design and a member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), who presented integrated water management as a core municipal responsibility.
An equity-based approach to water management
Monserrat Peña’s contribution placed the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into water management and security at the centre of the discussion. This approach recognizes that issues related to water access, quality and availability affect people differently.
According to Peña, integrating this perspective into local planning helps shape fairer public policies that address inequalities and respond to community needs, particularly those of the most vulnerable groups.
The webinar also highlighted public participation and communication as essential components of more democratic, efficient and sustainable water management.
Water, climate and local governments
During the webinar, Eduardo Santillán Gutiérrez emphasized that water management is directly connected to essential local government responsibilities. These include drinking water supply, stormwater drainage, sewerage, wastewater treatment and urban flood management.
The discussion reinforced the understanding that water management should be viewed not only in terms of infrastructure, but as an integrated system of public services that protects people, the natural environment and infrastructure from climate-related risks.
The specialist therefore stressed the importance of strengthening municipal capacities to operate and manage services, assess cost-effective alternatives, plan investments in phases and promote the circular economy as part of the response to each city’s needs.
Planning, data and resilience
Throughout the event, participants shared knowledge, experiences and tools to support local governments in water-related decision-making. Topics included protecting water sources, ensuring continuity of drinking water services, sanitation, drainage, institutional strengthening, governance, revenue generation and financial efficiency.
For GCoM, efficient water management is part of a broader urban adaptation and resilience agenda. As extreme events such as droughts, heavy rainfall and floods increase, municipalities need to strengthen their information systems, anticipate risks and develop responses that protect lives, essential services and local areas.
