Whether the focus is on ending open defecation in South Sudan or Indonesia’s commitment to bring access to 5 million people outside of their current reach and effort, when a president or a prime minister makes bold commitments, the dial shifts and sends a clear signal. Issues become politically elevated and budgetary priorities. 

The Heads of State Initiatives serve to support governments in these levels of prioritization. Establishing a national initiative involves multiple government stakeholders and development partners. Each country requires a unique solution, and lasting progress on water and sanitation depends on political leadership that is matched by accountability and sustained over time. When those at the top commit their policies, their priorities, and their budgets, lives change, economies change, health outcomes change.

Countries participating in the Heads of State Initiative need more leaders — more heads of state and government, presidents, prime ministers and monarchs — to join them in making water and sanitation national priorities.