Improving Access to Safe Water: Innovative Initiatives at the Grassroots

During the second week of the High Level Political Forum at the UN which ran from 7 - 15 July 2026, Mercy co-sponsored an event run by the NGO Committee of Social Development and the Mining Working Group entitled ‘Improving Access to Safe Water: Innovative Initiatives at the Grassroots’.

The event focused on the incredible initiatives happening at local and grassroots levels that ensure water justice in impoverished or disadvantaged communities.

The event featured speakers from civil society participants who are doing work on the ground for water justice, a representative from the Burundi government, and a professor Columbia University’s School of Public Health focusing on water and sanitation. The event also featured video and written submissions highlighting real work being done by community organizations.

Mercy contributed a video from the Mukuru Promotion Centre in Kenya, where the Sisters of Mercy maintain borehole for the residents of the community and work to address pollution and environmental degradation so everyone can have access to clean, safe water.

Katelin and Cecilie from the Mercy Global Action office were integral to the planning and running of the event! It was a huge success, and everyone came away inspired by the efforts of the community.

ENDS