South Asia Grassroot Assembly 2026
[ 1 Jul, 2026 ]
Over two inspiring days in Kathmandu, the South Asia Grassroot Assembly 2026 brought together community leaders, sanitation workers, civil society organizations, government representatives, development partners, WASH and beyond practitioners from across the region.
The Assembly created a unique platform where grassroot leaders were not just participants—they were the main speakers. Policymakers, development partners, and WASH professionals came together to listen, learn, and engage with the realities, innovations, and aspirations emerging from communities.
The Assembly explored four critical themes:
Institutionalizing Community Engagement for Sustainable WASH Services
Resource Mobilization and Access to Financing
Equitable and Inclusive Service Delivery in WASH and Beyond
Community Innovation for Local Solutions
Through powerful stories, policy dialogues, cultural expressions, and community-led presentations, participants highlighted how local leadership is driving change in water, sanitation, health, dignity, social inclusion, and livelihoods across South Asia.
A vibrant marketplace of community innovations further showcased locally led solutions, creating opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, and exchange across borders.
One message resonated throughout the Assembly:
Communities are not beneficiaries of development—they are leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers in shaping sustainable and inclusive futures.
As we move forward, FANSA remains committed to strengthening partnerships among communities, governments, civil society, and development partners to ensure that grassroots voices continue to influence policies and actions across the region
The Assembly created a unique platform where grassroot leaders were not just participants—they were the main speakers. Policymakers, development partners, and WASH professionals came together to listen, learn, and engage with the realities, innovations, and aspirations emerging from communities.
The Assembly explored four critical themes:
Institutionalizing Community Engagement for Sustainable WASH Services
Resource Mobilization and Access to Financing
Equitable and Inclusive Service Delivery in WASH and Beyond
Community Innovation for Local Solutions
Through powerful stories, policy dialogues, cultural expressions, and community-led presentations, participants highlighted how local leadership is driving change in water, sanitation, health, dignity, social inclusion, and livelihoods across South Asia.
A vibrant marketplace of community innovations further showcased locally led solutions, creating opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, and exchange across borders.
One message resonated throughout the Assembly:
Communities are not beneficiaries of development—they are leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers in shaping sustainable and inclusive futures.
As we move forward, FANSA remains committed to strengthening partnerships among communities, governments, civil society, and development partners to ensure that grassroots voices continue to influence policies and actions across the region
