Global Water & Sanitation Center

The Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) was formally established in 2022, a legacy of Gates Foundation (GF) and the Asian Institute of Technology’s (AIT) partnership to host and mainstream citywide inclusive sanitation (CWIS) and advance the WASH agenda in South and Southeast Asia. Its mission is to ensure universal access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable WASH services for all in Asia and beyond. In its efforts, the center contributes to achieving several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It envisions universal access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable WASH services for all in Asia and beyond.

GWSC is systematically designed to deliver different services to the government, international financial institutions, and development partners through its seven hubs. The Technical Assistance Hub (TA-Hub) provides crucial advisory services for the planning, design, and implementation of City-wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) and conducts feasibility studies for innovative technologies like Omni Processors. Complementing this, the Transformative Technologies Commercialization Hub (TTC-Hub) focuses on deploying advanced solutions such as the Reinvented Toilet and Omni Processor. Meanwhile, the Data Innovation Hub (DI-Hub) is committed to transforming the regional water and sanitation landscape by promoting data-driven decision-making through tools like the Integrated Municipal Information System (IMIS) and the National Sanitation Dashboard (NSD).

Furthermore, GWSC's portfolio includes specialised hubs that address other critical aspects of the WASH sector. The Performance and Proficiency Testing Hub offers a suite of services including wastewater, sludge, and fecal sludge analysis, as well as performance testing for wastewater treatment products. To foster innovation, the Research Grant & Support Hub (RS-Hub) facilitates, promotes, and disseminates cutting-edge research in sanitation systems and technologies. Recognising the growing importance of climate resilience, the Climate Adaptive Technology Hub provides essential guidance on creating and managing water and sanitation systems that can withstand climate change. Finally, the Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Social Inclusion Hub champions the integration of these crucial principles into WASH policies and practices, ensuring that the needs of all community members are met. Through this integrated, multi-hub approach, the GWSC is making significant strides in its mission to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.