The Urgent Call

Problems Demanding a Human and Scientific Response

 

2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water.

In today’s world, the lack of access to clean water and quality education represents fundamental humanitarian challenges that disproportionately affect the world’s most vulnerable populations. More than half of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be realized without eliminating water insecurity and enhancing education, especially in the sciences. These are not merely logistical problems; they are crises rooted in materials science, environmental chemistry, and foundational knowledge.

The Stark Reality of Global Scarcity

Our global community is facing interconnected scarcity crises that demand immediate, scientifically-grounded intervention.

Data snapshot

Global Scarcity Snapshot — 2025

One-page overview of critical challenges in water scarcity, education access, and adult literacy worldwide.

💧 WATER SCARCITY

  • 4 billion people face severe scarcity ≥1 month/yr (UNICEF)
  • 2.2 billion lack safely managed drinking water.
  • 3.6 billion face annual shortages; >5 billion projected by 2050.
  • Regional stress already >75–100% in parts of Central & Southern Asia and Northern Africa.

🎓 EDUCATION ACCESS

  • ~272 million children & youth out of school (2023, UNESCO)
  • ~40% of primary students lack minimum reading proficiency.
  • <50% meet minimum math proficiency at end of primary.
  • Gaps are largest in low-income and conflict-affected regions.

📖 ADULT LITERACY

  • ~754 million adults lack basic literacy skills (UNESCO)
  • Global adult literacy rate ≈ 87%.
  • Two-thirds of non-literate adults are women.
  • Progress since 2016: ~+1 percentage point globally.

Why it matters: Water, education, and literacy are interlinked foundations of health, equity, and sustainable development. Shortfalls in one reinforce the others, creating a global imperative for action.

Sources & further reading:

Compiled Oct 2025. Figures reflect latest widely cited estimates; definitions vary by source.

Our Vision for Sustainable Solutions

Water, education, and economic empowerment are interlinked foundations of human progress. Lack of clean water limits health, while education gaps perpetuate poverty and inequality.

At Chemists Without Borders, we recognize that our efforts cannot be sustainable without contributing to the economic welfare of the communities we serve. Therefore, our commitment is focused on four crucial, scientifically-driven objectives:

  • Quality Education

  • Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

We are committed to applying chemical and scientific expertise—the very tools of innovation—to transform scarcity into abundance, making a positive, sustainable impact in the communities we serve.

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Projects & Impact

By connecting scientific expertise with on-the-ground needs, we help build a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable world for everyone. Select an area of focus to learn more about our projects and initiatives. 

Clean Water Initiatives

The aim of the clean water initiative is to make clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities available to everyone.

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Education Initiatives

Access to quality education is a fundamental human right and is especially challenging in rural communities.

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Empowering the Next Generation

We are dedicated to developing bridge-builders—the scientists, leaders, and humanitarians needed globally.

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