Mutual Accountability Mechanism (MAM)

The Mutual Accountability Mechanism is a tool designed for partners to commit to and hold one another accountable for their progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water and sanitation. It also provides an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and catalyze collective action. SWA’s Mutual Accountability Mechanism is the only global accountability process focused on uniting all stakeholders to achieve the water and sanitation targets outlined in the SDGs. Since its launch in 2018, a total of 498 commitments have been submitted by stakeholders from 61 countries worldwide. Progress has been reported on 295 of these commitments, with 49% categorized as fully achieved. Many of these commitments help dismantle barriers and unite sector actors, leading to increased political prioritization of water and sanitation issues. Their positive impacts include improved coordination around governmental priorities, increased budgets, enhanced participation, and the establishment of local accountability processes. The Mutual Accountability Mechanism strengthens governance and financial efforts, resulting in more efficient and sustainable outcomes in the pursuit of universal access to water and sanitation.

Contributing Action Number

CA5.2

Primary Entry Point

5: Account through joint review and learning

Output(s)

Output 5.1: Progress on the implementation of the SWS is reviewed jointly by the UN system at technical and leadership levels

Output 5.2: Progress on water-related goals and targets are reviewed through joint learning and exchange among all actors with support from the UN system

SDG 6 Target(s)

SDG target 6.1: Achieve safe and affordable drinking water

SDG target 6.2: Achieve access to sanitation and hygiene and end open defecation

SDG target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory lews, policies, and practices and promoting approprate legislation, policies and action in this regard

Type of Engagement

Policy advice and thought leadership

Geographical Scope

Global level

Leading Entity

Sanitation and Water for All (SWA)

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation

The Contributing Actions are key initiatives supporting the United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, aligning individual and joint efforts across UN entities and partnering organizations to advance global water and sanitation goals. These actions are integrated into the Collaborative Implementation Plan (CIP) Results Framework 2025-2028, which provides a structured approach to achieving system-wide impact through coordinated UN efforts.
The Priority Collaborative Actions outlined in the framework focus on enhancing water security, improving governance, strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating progress on sanitation and hygiene. By fostering system-wide collaboration among UN agencies, these actions help drive policy coherence, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing water challenges.