Hogan Lovells teams up with WaterAid to advance global access to clean water through climate-resilient solutions

London and Washington, D.C., 21 August 2023 – Global law firm Hogan Lovells has joined forces with international charity WaterAid in a three-year partnership that will see the firm get behind the organization’s mission to end the crisis that currently leaves more than 770 million people in the world without access to clean water close to home. 

Hogan Lovells and WaterAid’s partnership will work to advance progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Access to sustainable and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene underpin almost all other areas of development, and as the effects of climate change are increasingly felt, innovative climate resilient technologies are not only essential to the wellbeing and success of communities, but also the safeguarding of economies. 

Hogan Lovells will draw on its strength as a global law firm to support WaterAid’s work, which is currently working within 27 countries around the world to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone within a generation. During this shared value partnership, we will work collaboratively to help: 

1. Strengthen systems to achievable sustainable and scalable WASH progress;
2. Advance dignity and equality in water access by furthering the human right to water and reducing the disproportionate burden that a lack of WASH places on women and girls; and
3. Invest in innovative climate adaptation and resilience solutions. 

Supporting the firm’s strategic focus areas for Responsible Business, Hogan Lovells will provide pro bono legal advice, volunteer support, and unique fundraising and awareness initiatives. In doing so, the two organizations will accelerate progress toward achieving SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation. Given the extent to which SDG 6 underlies progress across the SDGs, this joint effort is also expected to contribute to the following SDGs:

• No Poverty – SDG 1
• Good Health and Wellbeing – SDG 3
• Quality Education – SDG 4
• Gender Equality – SDG 5
• Decent Work and Economic Growth – SDG 8
• Reduced Inequalities – SDG 10
• Partnerships for the Goals – SDG 17

Elaine Penrose, Hogan Lovells Partner and Co-Chair of the WaterAid partnership, said: “WaterAid is a great Responsible Business partner for the firm and I’m really excited by the opportunity we have over the next three years to build a shared value partnership with WaterAid and utilize the firm’s talents and resources to help advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As a global law firm, we are committed to delivering pro bono, skilled volunteering and fundraising initiatives that have positive impacts in our communities, society and for the environment. We look forward to working with WaterAid over the next three years to progress its mission to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions through climate resilient projects with a lasting legacy.”  

Funding from Hogan Lovells will also go towards the delivery of climate-resilient WASH services in the Cuamba District of Mozambique—one of the most climate-impacted countries in the world and where more than a third of the population lack access to clean water. Through our dedicated fundraising project, we will support:

• The transformation of WASH across five of Cuamba’s most underserved healthcare facilities using a community-centered approach
• Initiatives to provide 5,000 people with clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene through new and updated facilities, training, and community initiatives;
• WaterAid to tackle systemic issues in provision through engagement with local government to improve planning, funding, and delivery of WASH services; and
• The empowerment of women and girls to participate in planning, decision-making, and management of WASH services.

Adam Garley, Country Director, WaterAid Mozambique said: “Climate change is having a devastating impact across Mozambique, with more frequent droughts making it harder for people to get water, and floods and cyclones contaminating or destroying fragile water and sanitation systems. Ensuring access to a sustainable supply of clean water and decent toilets will help communities break the vicious cycle of poverty and disease and build a better future.”

WaterAid Chief Executive, Tim Wainwright, said: “The scale of the WASH challenge is matched by WaterAid’s bold and ambitious strategy to effect greater change and help provide clean water and good sanitation to everyone everywhere. Our partnership with Hogan Lovells, which shares our values and vision, enables us to tap into an incredibly talented and connected network that will be integral to accelerating our progress.”

Click here to find out more about WaterAid and discover how to get involved.