GARDENA has announced the continuation of its global partnership with UNICEF to support access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for children and families worldwide. Launched on World Water Day 2026, the renewed collaboration aims to build on progress made since 2018 and increase support for communities facing water insecurity.
The partnership will contribute to UNICEF’s global WASH programmes and raise awareness of water as a shared resource. Together, the organisations aim to help provide 355,000 children and families in high-need regions with access to clean and safe water by the end of 2026.
Since its inception, the collaboration has supported efforts to expand water and hygiene services in vulnerable communities. The renewed agreement reflects a continued commitment to long-term engagement, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes in regions where access remains limited.
Access to safe water and sanitation remains a major global challenge. An estimated 2.1 billion people, or one in four, lack access to safely managed drinking water services. These gaps have direct consequences for health, education and economic stability, particularly in regions exposed to climate-related risks such as droughts and flooding.
The partnership provides flexible funding to UNICEF, allowing resources to be directed where needs are most urgent. This includes investment in water infrastructure, sanitation services and hygiene education, alongside support for emergency response in crisis-affected areas.
Maha Elkharbotly, President of GARDENA, says: “Our partnership with UNICEF is deeply meaningful to us. Throughout my career, I have seen how access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene can transform lives and strengthen entire communities. Water means life. Through this collaboration, we are proud to stand alongside UNICEF to help ensure that more children and families have access to this fundamental human need. Together, we are contributing our voice, our expertise and our commitment to a purpose that extends far beyond our own organisation.”
Through these interventions, UNICEF works to prevent waterborne diseases, improve child health and support access to education. Reliable access to water and sanitation is closely linked to school attendance, particularly for girls, and plays a role in strengthening resilience at community level.
Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, Global Director, Water and Sanitation Practice, UNICEF says, “The world is in a water crisis, and children shoulder the greatest burden of its impact. At UNICEF, we believe that every child deserves a fair chance to not only survive but to grow and thrive – and safe drinking water is so very critical for their health, nutrition, education, and development. Providing access to safe water, sanitation facilities and hygiene is a shared societal responsibility, we all need to contribute together, and we deeply value the support of GARDENA, whose long-term commitment helps create lasting impact for children where the need is greatest.”
Alongside programme delivery, the partnership includes a public awareness component aimed at encouraging more responsible water use. By linking global water challenges with everyday behaviours, the initiative seeks to highlight the value of water both in water-stressed regions and in domestic settings.
Reinhard Pompe, SVP Watering at GARDENA, adds: “Water is essential for growth, whether in nature, communities or future generations. Through this partnership, we want to deepen understanding of water’s true value and encourage more mindful use. Even small actions, when taken collectively, can help protect this precious resource and create lasting impact.”
Throughout 2026, the ‘Growing Futures, one drop at a time’ campaign will engage individuals and communities through a series of awareness activities. The campaign connects personal water use with global access challenges, encouraging behavioural change while supporting funding for WASH programmes.
Climate change continues to intensify pressure on water systems worldwide, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and disrupting access to reliable water sources. These pressures place additional strain on infrastructure and heighten risks for communities already facing limited access.
By combining funding with awareness efforts, the GARDENA and UNICEF partnership aims to address both immediate needs and longer-term challenges linked to water security. The collaboration reflects a broader trend of private sector engagement in addressing global development goals, particularly those linked to health, climate and resource management.
The initiative underscores the role of partnerships in supporting progress towards universal access to safe water and sanitation. It also highlights the importance of coordinated action across organisations, communities and individuals in addressing one of the most pressing global challenges.
Further information on the campaign and ways to support UNICEF’s work is available through GARDENA’s website and social media channels.
