The current global numbers on water and sanitation access come before the next cyclone, flood, hurricane or drought breaks down a country’s infrastructure, strands communities and further slows progress.

The Heads of State Initiatives (HoSI) are a growing movement of political leaders driving progress for water, sanitation, hygiene. Through HoSI, national leaders are making vital contributions to poverty reduction, peacebuilding, and the realization of human rights.

Heads of State Initiatives are different for every country and can take forms like national sector compacts, presidential decrees, or royal seals of approval for new sector strategies. They are tailored to each country’s unique context, helping to achieve critical goals such as strengthening resilience to climate change, addressing public health risks linked to waterborne disease, and ending open defecation. Political leaders’ action here promotes long-term stability and paves the way for a more equitable, sustainable and resilient future.

These initiatives are supported by a core group of partners that provide resources and technical assistance. You can learn more about them here.