This document discusses strengthening national and local water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems. It outlines several "building blocks" that are important for WASH systems, including institutions, infrastructure, regulation, water resource management, learning and adaptation, finance, monitoring, and policy. It explains that strengthening these sub-systems and functions, as well as the behaviors of relevant actors, can lead to improved WASH services for all through a harmonized monitoring framework. Upcoming events hosted by IRC in Washington DC and a webinar with the Global Handwashing Partnership are also announced.