Welcome to the Sanitation and Water for All Partnership

Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a partnership of governments, donors, civil society and multilateral organizations. Its aim is to ensure that all people have access to basic sanitation and safe drinking water. It is particularly concerned with those countries where the needs are greatest.

For too long, sanitation and water supply in developing countries has suffered from a lack of attention and a lack of progress that became a downward spiral. Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) aims to turn this situation around – creating a virtuous cycle that has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of billions.

Real achievements, real progress: 

Every two years, SWA holds a global High Level Meeting where Finance Ministers from developing countries meet with Ministers of Development Cooperation from donor countries to address planning and institutional requirements for improving access to Water and Sanitation.  Eighteen months after the first global High Level Meeting at the World Bank in April 2010, the SWA is yielding real results: 

• Ministers of Finance from nine developing countries have confirmed that they are meeting the commitments of increased budget allocations made at the meeting.
• Seven donors have met or exceeded the targets they set for funding.
• Nine countries report improved coordination and accountability among different institutions and six donors have increased alignment with national planning processes.

 SWA partners have also mobilized support to countries most in need.

• A joint mission resulted in The Liberia Compact – a substantive plan to improve sanitation and water that has support from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, calls for the development of a detailed investment plan and streamlines administrative systems. It facilitates better use of available funds, and presents a solid case for increased funding.

 Delivering economic impact

Poor sanitation costs developing countries between 2 and 6% of GDP each year. Ensuring that all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a smart way of addressing a range of health and development problems. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in improved sanitation yields a return on investment of $9.00.

SWA provides a framework for action at global level that ensures greater effectiveness of funding – a plus for both donors and recipients. SWA is making the financing of water and sanitation more sustainable and more effective, yielding greater value for money and saving lives in the process.

 What next?

The next SWA High Level Meeting will be held in Washington D.C. on Friday 20 April 2012 during the World Bank Spring meetings. To find out more about the event, visit our 2012 High Level Meeting page here.

Ministers of Finance from countries most in need of improved sanitation and hygiene are invited to participate in the meeting. A thorough preparatory process involves analysis of data, consultation with stakeholders from a range of sectors, and development of commitments to bring to the meeting.

Donors are also preparing to attend, working together to develop an approach that maximizes return on investment.

Countries interested in attending the High Level meeting and wishing to start preparations should contact the SWA Secretariat  here. For more information, visit our High Level Meeting page here. 

Photo Water Aid / Suzanne Porter

Latest news

John Agyekum Kufour appointed as Chair of the SWA Partnership 

Leading African statesman John Agyekum Kufour has agreed to bring his significant convening power to help place the issues of sanitation and water high on the global political agenda.

Read more here.  

The GLAAS Report

The Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) is a UN-Water initiative implemented by the World Health Organization.
Findings from the report were presented at the first annual Sanitation and Water for All High-Level Meeting hosted by UNICEF on 23 April 2010 in Washington, DC.

The meeting provided a forum for Ministers of Finance from developing countries, Ministers responsible for sanitation and water, and representatives from donor countries to gain a greater understanding of linkages between water, sanitation, and economic growth. 
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