IWMI is a research-for-development (R4D) organization, that functions as a research renter of CGIAR, the global research partnership for a food-secure future. For over three decades, our research results have led to changes in water management that have contributed to social and economic development. IWMI leads the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE)

IWMI’s Vision reflected in its 'Strategy 2019-2023,' is ‘a water-secure world’. IWMI targets water and land management challenges faced by poor communities in developing countries, and through this contributes towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of reducing poverty and hunger and maintaining a sustainable environment.