Changing external perceptions of water, sanitation and hygiene

The UN-hosted Sanitation and Water for All global partnership (SWA) has released the findings of a global study on external perceptions of water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as barriers to driving political prioritization and investment.  
 
Conducted by Browning Environmental Communications, the study gathered insights from 200 decision-makers across climate, health, human rights, humanitarian response and economic development sectors. 
 
In an effort to change external perceptions, the SWA-commissioned study delves into the key concerns that many external decision-makers have, from worrying that investment in water, sanitation and hygiene will detract from reaching their own sector goals, to external influences like political election cycles.
 
Recommendations include better reflecting the cost-benefits of investing in water, sanitation and hygiene, demonstrating how cross-sector partnerships can realize ambitious development agendas, and highlighting links to safety and security, in particular for marginalized groups such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.