The objective is to bring attention at the highest political level to the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene as the first line of defence against the spread of COVID-19 - together with physical distancing. It will be used to call upon leaders everywhere to provide water, sanitation and hygiene services to all without discrimination, ensure that systems supporting them are resilient, and above all provide the financing necessary to do this in a sustainable way. It also draws attention to the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene after COVID-19 and to prevent any future outbreaks.