The 2016 GSF Learning Event primarily focused on the three core considerations for GSF-supported programmes: scale, sustainability and equality. A key aspect in this regard is what success looks like for GSF-supported programmes, and how these programmes evolve to achieve this success. The GSF aims to contribute to universal access to sanitation and hygiene, as envisioned in national strategies or roadmaps, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. The Fund aims to achieve this by catalyzing the creation, demonstration, and replication of nationally-owned, results-based models for sustained sanitation and hygiene behaviour change at scale. To achieve this, programmes are envisioned to go through three distinct, but often highly overlapping phases: design, demonstration and transition.

The Learning Event presented an opportunity for country programmes to reflect on these three phases in the context of their country. To this end, all 13 active country programmes were asked to prepare reflection papers, which served as inputs for the various sessions of the Learning Event. All of the learning themes mentioned in the adjacent box were the key themes of the Learning Event. This publication is therefore structured to reflect these themes, exploring relevant conversations, reflections and lessons.