Since the dawn of history, faith has provided a foundation from which social norms develop. It is to faith leaders that billions are drawn to in times of joy and sorrow, as well as in the search for inner meaning. As teachers to the masses, the words of faith leaders motivate, persuade and enable. Through their speech and actions, they can bring about change in ways that others, quite simply, cannot.
An estimated 5 billion people across the world are members of religious communities, underscoring the critical role religious leaders can play in addressing seemingly intractable problems – such as access to safe water and sanitation. The Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) is world’s first initiative that is engaging the planet’s many faiths as allies in efforts to create a world where every human being has access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation and proper hygiene.
Launched by UNICEF at UNICEF World Headquarters under sponsorship of the Government of the Netherlands and USAID, GIWA envisions a water-secure world in which safe and sustainable drinking water and improved sanitation will be accessible for all.
See our latest news updates, including our most recent meetings with world leaders, events and communications for change here.
Watch a UNICEF-produced video about our launch at UNICEF Headquarters Here.
Learn about our field work, including our project to provide drinking water to rural school children
Read about and see photos of our meetings with world leaders and celebrities to bring about WASH for all here.
Learn about our Global Partnerships here.
WASH is an international term meaning Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Here are reasons why the world’s faiths are joining forces through the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance