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Water scarcity already affects every continent. Around 1.2 billion people, or almost one-fifth of the world's population, live in areas of physical scarcity, and 500 million people are approaching this situation. Another 1.6 billion people, or almost one quarter of the world's population, face economic water shortage (where countries lack the necessary infrastructure to take water from rivers and aquifers). The way water scarcity issues are addressed impacts upon the successful achievement of most of the Millennium Development Goals.

Some excellent infographics by the Gates foundation

With some two billion people living in poverty, without clean water and sanitation or access to schooling and healthcare, it's clear that development has to work better to improve people's lives. The Forth High-level Forum in Busan aims to make that happen.