What is the WASH pledge?

This initiative was developed in 2013 by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) and WASH4Work Coalition, in the context of Human Rights to Water and Sanitation recognized in 2010 and the recognition of the importance of closing gaps on access to WASH.

The WASH Pledge for access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is an opportunity for companies to contribute concretely to the implementation of SDG 6, while at the same time ensuring that they provide international best practice on WASH. 

"By signing the WASH Pledge, companies commit to implementing access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene at the workplace at an appropriate level of standard for all employees in all premises, under their control within three years of signature. Under the Pledge, companies also commit to taking action on WASH across their value chain, including among their suppliers, as well as in the communities that surround their workplaces and/or where their workers live."

Learn more on the official WASH4WORK Site

The process of signing the pledge is quite straightforward: A representative in a position to commit their business must:

1. sign the WASH Pledge form
2. complete our onboarding survey

Only once both steps are complete will the company be recognized as a WASH Pledge signatory.

The WASH Pledge is a non-binding commitment and therefore there is no formal reporting requirement. However, companies are encouraged to communicate their achievements through both internal and external channels and to spread the word to other businesses and stakeholders to act and ensure safe and adequate WASH access. We also strongly recommend that you submit a case study and share your progress with WASH4WORK.

Read WASH Pledge FAQs

Please note whilst viewing the webinar resources, that since January 2022 the WASH Pledge has transitioned from the ownership of WBCSD to WASH4WORK.

We thank more than 612 of Xylem’s suppliers who signed the WASH Pledge since January 2020!