Meaning: 'Disproportionate' means that something is not in correct or balanced proportion, suggesting that the poor are affected more severely than others by water stress.

Wrong options:

• proportional: 'Proportional' implies a balanced relationship, which contradicts the context of unequal impact described in the sentence.
• little: 'Little' suggests a small amount, which does not convey the severity of the impact on the poor as required by the context.
• lesser: 'Lesser' implies a comparative degree but does not adequately express the significant and unequal impact that 'disproportionate' conveys.

Correct answer: sustenance

Explanation: The word 'sustenance' is appropriate here as it refers to the means of sustaining life, which is the primary need for water. This aligns with the context of providing water for human survival, making it the most fitting choice.

Meaning: 'Sustenance' means the food and drink that are necessary for survival, emphasizing the essential role of water in maintaining life.

Wrong options:

• growth: 'Growth' refers to an increase in size or number, which does not directly relate to the necessity of water for survival.
• desires: 'Desires' implies wants or wishes, which is not the same as the fundamental need for water, making it contextually inappropriate.
• extravagance: 'Extravagance' suggests excessive or unnecessary spending, which is irrelevant in the context of basic human needs for water.

Correct answer: collaboration

Explanation: The term 'collaboration' fits well as it indicates working together, which is essential for addressing water issues among Member States. This aligns with the proactive efforts mentioned in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Collaboration' means working jointly with others, emphasizing the importance of unity in tackling water security challenges.

Wrong options:

• conspiration: 'Conspiration' refers to a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful, which is contrary to the positive context of cooperation in the sentence.
• adoption: 'Adoption' implies taking up or accepting something, which does not convey the idea of working together as effectively as 'collaboration.'
• animosity: 'Animosity' indicates hostility or strong dislike, which is the opposite of the cooperative spirit intended in the context.

Correct answer: agencies

Explanation: The word 'agencies' is suitable as it refers to organizations that carry out specific functions, particularly in the context of the UN's partnerships. This aligns with the collaborative efforts mentioned in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Agencies' refers to organizations or bodies that have specific responsibilities, particularly in the context of international cooperation on water issues.

Wrong options:

• countries: 'Countries' refers to nations, which does not fit the context of organizations working on specific issues like water security.
• companies: 'Companies' implies private enterprises, which is not the focus of the UN's collaborative efforts in this context.
• cooperates: 'Cooperates' is a verb and does not fit grammatically as a noun in this context.

Correct answer: regard

Explanation: The word 'regard' is the correct choice as it is used in the phrase 'in this regard,' which means in relation to or concerning the topic at hand. This fits grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Regard' in this context means consideration or attention to a particular matter, emphasizing the focus on water issues.

Wrong options:

• regards: 'Regards' is the plural form and does not fit the idiomatic expression 'in this regard,' which requires the singular form.
• regarding: 'Regarding' is a preposition and does not fit grammatically as it would disrupt the flow of the sentence.
• regarded: 'Regarded' is the past participle form and does not fit the context of the sentence, which requires a noun.