WASH - access to water, sanitation and hygiene

Current gaps in access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) pose an immense burden on business, society and economies. Sustainable Development Goals 6.1 and 6.2 aim to achieve universal access to WASH by 2030. By committing to the WASH Pledge, business can contribute to achieving this goal while reaping the benefits of a healthier, more productive workforce. They can also improve access to WASH through their value chains and communities.

The Challenge

More than 2 billion people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water and over 4 billion do not have access to safe sanitation. Inadequate access to water and sanitation costs the global economy USD $323 billion every year. Workers and communities cannot prosper without access to WASH.

The Business Case

Every dollar invested in sanitation returns USD $5.5 in benefits and every dollar invested in drinking water supply returns USD $2. Investing in WASH can help businesses expand markets, contribute to prospering societies and build a resilient workforce. Ensuring that businesses provide WASH in workplaces, value chains and communities can help drastically reduce illness and absenteeism, increase productivity, strengthen value chains, and enhance the company’s reputation.

The Business Solution

This project helps companies address WASH in their different spheres of influence:

In their direct operations, value chains and communities that surround the workplaces through the WASH Pledge;
In global advocacy by communicating widely about the importance of WASH for worker well-being and economic growth, as well as in wider water stewardship.