Unilever : Why water for all is everyone’s business

Joint investment in WASH is key for economic resilience

Global water security is just one part of the water equation.

Equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is also fundamental to every aspect of our social, environmental and economic prosperity.

Covid-19 starkly highlighted this reality through the impact that the lack of WASH infrastructure had on low to middle-income countries and on sustainable development.

Over the past decade, with partners like GAVI, UNICEF, UNHCR and the governments of India, South Africa, and the UK, Unilever's leading hygiene brands Lifebuoy and Domestos have reached over 1.3 billion people through their WASH partnerships.

Why targeted investment is required from all stakeholders

"We'll continue to do this work, but I wanted to call on governments to increase their focus on WASH and to really think about how to invest in and partner on these kinds of different innovative models that bring together the complementary expertise of different sorts of stakeholders," Rebecca told delegates.

In a joint report, Unilever and Oxfam also warned that "without radical investment that considers the unique vulnerabilities of communities impacted by climate, conflict and deepening inequality, investments in WASH will not suffice to reduce people's exposure to the threats of future pandemics."

Safeguarding water for the future

"If we step up, together, as the private sector, national governments, civil society and the academic community," says Rebecca, "we can safeguard against future pandemics and other health crises, and ensure access to water, sanitation and hygiene for all."