The 192-member Assembly called on United Nations Member States and international organizations to offer funding, technology and other resources to help poorer countries scale up their efforts to provide clean, accessible and affordable drinking water and sanitation for everyone.

The resolution stressed to "pay particular attention to persons belonging to vulnerable and marginalised groups, including by respecting the principles of non-discrimination and gender equality". Gender equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities are very important issues which need to be considered when implementing sustainable sanitation.

The text of the resolution expresses deep concern that an estimated 884 million people lack access to safe drinking water and a total of more than 2.6 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation. Studies also indicate about 1.5 million children under the age of five die each year and 443 million school days are lost because of water- and sanitation-related diseases.