AWWA advances commitment to global sustainability by joining United Nations compact

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to international sustainability by joining the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. 

“Joining the UN Global Compact accelerates our influence within the global water community,” said Loren Labovitch, chair of AWWA’s International Council. “It strengthens our reputation as a leading resource on water and opens doors to new collaborations with partners around the world.”

The UN Global Compact, spanning a network of more than 23,000 organizations across 160 countries, aligns with AWWA’s existing international partnerships and goals. 

The Compact’s framework promotes sustainable and ethical business practices, with participants committing to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact focused on human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption.

In joining the Compact, AWWA pledges to participate in and engage in the following ways:

• Promote and organize sector specific events for members to exchange knowledge and enhance learning
• Provide expertise and facilitate industry-wide partnership on key UN goals and issues
• Support the development and activities of the Global Compact network

With new collaboration opportunities within the UN Global Compact network, AWWA brings a wealth of water sector expertise to the community, including its work directly supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring a clean and stable water supply and effective water sanitation for all people.

“The Compact should, over time, help introduce an even wider network of global water practitioners to the wealth of industry knowledge and experience, and the vast array of standards, best practices and other educational material that is available through AWWA,” said Labovitch.

AWWA’s participation in the UN Global Compact also directly supports its Water 2050 initiative, an ongoing project that envisions the future of water and proposes a course for success and sustainability. The Compact’s global network will amplify Water 2050’s reach, expand opportunities for collaboration and increase access to international best practices.