• Group of people crossing a river on a small strip of land, with some carrying containers on their heads, at sunset.

    GLOBAL MOVEMENT.

    The Heads of State Initiatives unite political leaders at the highest level to achieve sustainable and resilient water and sanitation for all. 

    Learn more
  • A busy street market scene with people riding motorbikes and carts, some wearing helmets, and a man pushing a rickshaw loaded with goods.

    POLITICAL LEADERSHIP.

    When political leaders act, results follow, unlocking better health, stronger economies, and a more equitable future for all. 

    Read the strategy
  • Two women wading in floodwaters, surrounded by debris and makeshift homes, with palm trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

    LASTING IMPACT.

    Now is the time for bold political leadership that connects sectors, aligns investments, and delivers lasting change. 

    countries involved

A global movement with local impact

In the first year of the Dominican Republic’s Pacto, water was prioritized in the national budget with a 60% increase and it has been maintained ever since.

As a result of Nigeria’s Executive Order, 174 cities and towns are Open Defecation Free.

Compacts

Interconnected problems require interconnected solutions

A woman wearing a blue and white traditional outfit with a matching headwrap, gold jewelry, and a wristwatch, gesturing with her hands and speaking, with other people in the background.
“Over recent years, progress in water and sanitation has continued, but unevenly and under growing pressure from climate shocks. Leadership at the level of Heads of State and Government has become so important in sustaining momentum and coherence.

The Heads of State Initiatives offer a practical way of anchoring integration in political authority while remaining grounded in national contexts.”

H.E. Dr. Aminata Touré, High-level representative of the President of Senegal and former Prime Minister of Senegal

“In a world facing overlapping crises — from climate disruption and economic instability to growing inequalities — we need stronger political leadership, transformative reforms, and sustainable financing to realize the human rights to water and sanitation for all.”

H.E. Dr Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and Vice-President of Club de Madrid

A woman speaking at a podium during a conference, wearing glasses and a floral blazer, with a large screen displaying text behind her.