11627 Corporate philanthropy de-risks, proves water innovation is possible in Jordan

Identifying and funding solutions to help communities around the world cope, adapt, and thrive in the face of the climate crisis will require unprecedented commitment, creativity, and collaboration. Private philanthropy has a unique and crucial role to play in helping address the climate crisis. Private giving creates the flexibility to take bigger, bolder actions to try new ideas and replicate innovative solutions. Xylem, a leader in developing innovative water solutions, and Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian organization, partner to respond to water, sanitation, and hygiene needs after disaster strikes. After 15 years of successful partnership, and in light of the urgency of the climate crisis, we asked ourselves how we could do even more together to help address the greatest issue of our time. In 2021, Xylem funded Mercy Corps’ pilot project in Jordan to conduct in-depth research on the impact of climate change as it relates to water security, agricultural production, and livelihoods. This enabled us to co-design an innovative water-focused proof concept to strengthen agricultural production and livelihoods in a vulnerable village. Thanks to Xylem’s catalytic investment, the project was fully funded by the Australian and Swiss governments and can now be replicated across the country.