The purpose of monitoring is to help policy- and decision makers at all levels of government to identify challenges and opportunities, set priorities for more effective and efficient implementation and communicate progress, or lack thereof (and therefore associated requirements), to ensure accountability and generate political, public and private sector support for further investments.

As such, monitoring is an essential component of the 2030 Agenda, supporting progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Through the Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6, the United Nations seeks to support countries in monitoring water- and sanitation-related issues within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in an integrated manner, and compile country data to report on global progress towards SDG 6.