Improving water quality can bring many benefits to our society. Clean water is vital to not just aquatic biodiversity, but also our survival. For instance, a healthy ocean can provide a stable climate and a marine ecosystem that offers what we need such as oxygen and safe seafood for our consumption. In addition, the ocean also supports our recreation, tourisms and blue economy. However, globally, many of our waterways and coastal marine waters are suffering from the threat of chemical pollution. By2050, the global chemical production will increase by 68%. It is, therefore, expected that chemical pollution in our waterways and oceans will get worse. Given that water pollution has no boundaries, it will require international collaboration in solving this problem. In this talk, I will discuss about the problem of marine pollution and how global initiatives can solve this problem. Through examples, I will illustrate the essence of the science-policy interface and how concerted global efforts can tackle water pollution issues and promote sustainability. Furthermore, I will introduce several latest global initiatives such as the Back to Blue Initiative, the Global Monitoring of Pharmaceuticals Project, and the Global Estuaries Monitoring (GEM) Program. The latter is an Action Program of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). There is also a call for establishing a global science-policy based governing body on management of chemicals and waste. It is hoped that strategies for achieving zero chemical pollution can be co-developed and globally implemented. These strategies will include, but not limited to, governmental, industrial and financial interventions, and advancement of environmental policy. With more implementable science-policy based global initiatives and concerted efforts, we will be able to create improved conditions for our waterways and oceans, eventually making these water bodies cleaner and safer for all.