Stronger economies start with clean water.

In the lead up to World Water Day this 22 March, the world’s leading water, sanitation and hygiene international development charity, WaterAid, has brought their message that change starts with water to the global stock market.

From global pandemics to inequality to climate change – it can be hard to know where to start in transforming the world for a brighter future.

It begins with water: the foundation, the necessary, the starting point.

Clean water stops disease and infection, ensuring healthy employees and boosting productivity in the workplace. It helps protect communities from the impacts of climate change and it keeps adults in work and children at school. It means thriving communities and stronger economies - now and for future generations.

The power of water is impossible to ignore. But when almost one in ten still don’t have clean water close to home, none of us can move forward. And climate change is exacerbating the issue.

New WaterAid research, undertaken in 112 of the world’s most populated cities, unveils dramatic shifts in global climate patterns – namely flooding and droughts - which are deepening inequalities for urban populations and exacerbating threats to clean water access worldwide. These changes also have a direct impact on supply chain operations and increase corporate risks.

But the solutions can be simple: harvesting rainwater to help people survive through drought; monitoring water levels so communities can prepare for extreme weather; and installing toilets designed to withstand floods and keep water sources clean.

Andy Green, WaterAid Chair, said: “WaterAid is changing the world through water - working alongside communities on the climate frontline to bring clean water to millions globally. But we cannot do this alone. To reach hundreds of millions more, we need global governments, multilateral banks and the private sector to work together to unlock investment and implement solutions to tackle the climate and water crises. Today’s event at the London Stock Exchange is a testament to the power of cross-sectoral collaboration to raise awareness of the water crisis and acknowledge that by working together we can change the world. All of us have to act now. Governments, businesses, communities – we’ve got to play our part.”

Find out how at wateraid.org/change-starts