This Guidance Note highlights the drivers of water scarcity, suggesting programme actions for the WASH sector to increase water security for children, and outlines programme principles to guide action at global, regional, national and local levels. The principles focus on risk-based approaches, valuing water resources, managing water sustainably and equitably, partnerships, and on acceleration of WASH coverage.

It is the third in a series of papers, accompanying "Drying Up Their Futures: The Impact of Water Scarcity on Children in the Middle East and North Africa Region" and "Urban Water Scarcity Guidance Note – Preventing Day Zero". It is being released under the umbrella of UNICEF’s Water Security for All initiative, and complements the Global Framework for Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.