That message came during a Capitol Hill event honouring Senator Dick Durbin for his longstanding support of global WASH. Held in the Russell Senate Office building, the event highlighted the lasting impact of the Paul Simon Water for the World Act, legislation championed by Durbin that established a long-term framework for US investment in global water and sanitation.
Adopted in 2014, the Act provided a sustained mandate for US engagement in WASH and helped position water and sanitation as a strategic development priority. It also requires regular updates to the US Global Water Strategy to reflect evolving needs and emerging best practices.
Durbin's remarks underscored that support for global water and sanitation continues to attract backing across political lines.
The implications extend well beyond Washington. More than two billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water, while billions more remain without adequate sanitation services. Decisions related to international development funding continue to influence programmes that support health, education, livelihoods and climate resilience around the world.
The event, co-hosted by Millennium Water Alliance (MWA), InterAction and WaterAid, brought together lawmakers, development organisations and sector leaders to discuss priorities for the sector. As a member of both MWA and InterAction, LM International participated in the discussions alongside other organisations working to advance sustainable WASH solutions globally.
LM International was represented by Chief Marketing Officer Shep Owen and WASH Specialist Jonatan Strömgren. The following day, Strömgren presented LM International’s WASH work to the 29 members of MWA, contributing to discussions on sector priorities, partnerships and emerging solutions to global water and sanitation challenges.
The conversations in Washington served as a reminder that access to safe water and sanitation remains a shared priority with far-reaching implications for health, livelihoods and resilience worldwide.