The first global water conference in nearly 50 years adopted almost 700 voluntary commitments that U.N. chief Antonio Guterres declared were “game-changing, inclusive and action-oriented.” The conference generated pledges from governments, non-profit groups and companies, all consolidated into a Water Action Agenda touted as a “milestone” action plan for universal access to clean water and sanitation. conservation groups criticized the non-binding nature of the agreements, saying they lacked rigor and accountability.