"If policy makers and the broad range of stakeholders choose to work only with their peers and within their spheres of activity, instead of with each other, they will fail to meet current and future water challenges."

This is stated in the OECD report on Stakeholder engagement for inclusive water governance. After extensive research and consultations, the OECD concludes that effective stakeholder engagement at early stages of projects will lead, among other things, to greater acceptance and trust, but can also ensure cost savings, avoid conflict and promote social cohesion. However, effective stakeholder engagement is not easy to achieve. The report provides guidelines and a checklist for indicators on page 171. Although it is mainly focused on OECD countries and governments, the guidelines are valuable for all projects executed at all levels.