Rethinking monitoring of the means of implementation for SDG 6 up to 2030 and beyond

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development identified the Means of Implementation (MoI) as critical to achieving all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. While the two global indicators for SDG 6 (6.a.1 and 6.b.1) provide an important entry point for monitoring MoIs, there is significant opportunity to broaden their scope, enhance their use, and better integrate them into national and global monitoring systems to support acceleration of progress on SDG 6 outcomes. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities related to monitoring SDG 6 MoIs up to 2030 and looking ahead into the post-2030 development agenda. Drawing on recent assessments and expert insights, the paper proposes actionable ways to enhance MoI monitoring: expanding the narrative beyond existing indicators; investing in national data systems; developing evidence-based, actionable indicators; and linking MoI indicators more closely to outcomes in national and global monitoring mechanisms. The authors emphasize strengthening national monitoring systems to systematically capture MoI-related inputs and processes, thereby enhancing their utility for national planning and global reporting. Looking ahead, the paper proposes preparing better formulated MoI targets and indicators in a post-2030 sustainable development framework—focused on the key drivers of change and designed to inform national decision-making. In view of the lack of progress on the SDGs, it is more important than ever to invest time and effort to improve the monitoring of the MoI. By reinforcing the connections between inputs and outcomes, and by embedding MoIs more coherently across all SDG 6 targets, monitoring can become a catalyst for transformation.