Strengthening mutual accountability in partnerships for WASH. Pt 1: Literature review and learning from other sectors

The Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership commissioned a two-part research report to inform the evolution and refinement of its Mutual Accountability Mechanism (MAM), a tool for partners to hold each other accountable for progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This first part looks at the concept of mutual accountability, as well as a literature review, interviews and investigation of partnerships beyond the WASH sector, whereas the second part is an empirical study of multi-stakeholder collaboration, accountability, MAM implementation and COVID-impacts in WASH in six selected SWA partner countries The desk research in part 1 highlights the key elements, success factors, partnership processes, conducive national contexts and types of global partnerships, which can support an effective cycle of mutual accountability between stakeholders.