The New Urban Agenda of the United Nations emphasises the importance of effective municipal enterprises for sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive urban development. The Member States are committed to taking measures that will strengthen the performance capability of water utilities.

Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) believes German municipal enterprises have an important role to play in strengthening the local delivery of basic public services in partner countries. They possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed on the ground. This is why the BMZ has initiated the pilot project: Utility platform for strengthening partnerships of municipal utilities worldwide. The pilot phase runs until 2023 and focuses on municipal water utilities.

With the utility platform, the BMZ is supporting cooperation and partnerships between municipal utilities in Germany and the Global South. Furthermore, durable structures are being established that will in future support partnerships between municipal enterprises worldwide.