International Year of Sanitation 2008 ADVOCACY KIT |
Complete Advocacy Kit (12 MB, zip) [EN] [FR] [ES] |
| International Year of Sanitation 2008 Global Launch 21 November 2007 |
21 November 2007: |
World Water Week 12-18 August 2007 |
His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, Chair of United Nations Secretary General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation opens UN-Water Seminar at World Water Week in Stockholm, 15 Aug 2007 Link>> |
| Preparatory Meeting 7 May 2007 |
7 May 2007: UN Radio News Update-Access to sanitation a fundamental issue of human dignity and human rights: mp3 |
IYS in Action
UNU-INWEH Policy workshop on Sanitation , Hamilton, Canada
20-21 October 2008 "Sanitation: Innovations for Policy and Finance"
UNU-INWEH held an international policy workshop “Sanit
ation: Innovations for Policy and Finance” in recognition of the International Year of Sanitation. The purpose of the workshop was to formulate guidance and insights that can be used to change policies and mobilize much-needed financial resources. The workshop brought together 35 people from government, academia, non-governmental organisations and foundations. Outcomes of the workshop discussions will be published by UNU-INWEH in 2009. Recommendations include the following:
• There is a need for broad behavioural change towards sanitation, including a review of the definition
of what is acceptable in terms of sanitation access.
• The achievement targets set by the international community need to be reviewed, and expanded to
include 100 % global coverage.
• We need to enable local communities, including local governments, to identify needs, take action and
overcome obstacles like absence of property ownership in urban slums.
• The existing multiple channels for investment and sanitation advocacy must be streamlined to achieve
a high visibility at the global stage and inclusion in national development plans.
• New business models need to be designed which would enable local entrepreneurship.
Brochure>> BACK TO TOP >>
World Water Week, Stockholm, Sweden
17-23 August 2008 "Progress and Prospects on Water: For a Clean and Healthy World"
The 2008 World Water Week in Stockholm scrutinised progress and prospects in the efforts to build a clean and healthy world. Special attention was devoted this year to the sanitation challenge and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal target on sanitation.
As a forum for a range of agencies and actors who will design and implement strategies for more efficient and sustainable policy and practice, the 2008 World Water Week has been a unique opportunity to remove the stigma surrounding sanitation and to advocate for the multiple benefits that flow from better hygiene and sanitation arrangements.
Please find a list of SIWI’s and WBCSD's events and publications about sanitation.
SIWI (Stockholm International Water Institute):
Reports:
- Planning for Drinking Water and Sanitation
in Peri-Urban Areas>>
- Securing Sanitation
– The Compelling Case to Address the Crisis>>
Exhibition:
Global Exhibition “Sanitation-is-dignity” in Central Stockholm>>
Events on Sanitation:
- Planning for Sustainable Sanitation in Cities>>
- How can we promote sustainable water practices and adoption of new and innovative systems?>>
- Approaches for Bridging the Sanitation Gap in Asian Cities>>
- Water Supply and Sanitation: After Disaster and Conflict Situations in Fragile States>>
- The Impact of WASH Interventions on Children>>
- DEWATS - Why Not Boost a Proven Solution to the Sanitation Gap?>>
- Responding to the Evidence? Aid and the Sanitation Blindspot>>
- The Sustainable Sanitation Alliance – Towards More Sustainable Sanitation Solutions>>
- Getting Water Supply and Sanitation to All>>
- The Best of Sanitation: Synthesis and Outcomes of the Regional Sanitation Conferences>>
- Introduction to the Global Sanitation Fund>>
- The Joy of WASH in Schools>>
- Europe’s Sanitation Problem: 20 Million Europeans Need Access to Safe and Affordable Sanitation>>
- Making Regulation Work for the Poor: Accelerating Access to Urban Water Supply>>
- Making Progress on Sanitation and Hygiene: Lessons from the Field and Breaking the Silence on Areas of Neglect>>
- Making a Difference: Enhancing Research by Scientists in Developing Countries on Sanitation>>
- Partnering with Business to Find Sanitation Solutions>>
- New Frontiers of Sanitation>>
- Water and Sanitation Advocacy: How Can We Convince You?>>
- The Lingering Failure of Sanitation – Why?>>
- The Stockholm Water Prize Laureates Seminar: Global Sanitation – How Can Science Contribute?>>
- Realising the Potential: Sanitation Interventions as Preventive Health Actions>>
- From Pilots to Policies: Working with Communities to Improve Urban Water and Sanitation>>
BACK TO TOP >>
WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development):
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) aimed to demonstrate that its member companies are already making a positive contribution. They developed a folder with case studies from a range of industrial sectors, and hosted an interactive seminar “Partnering with Business to Find Sanitation Solutions" at Stockholm World Water Week, with SIWI and UNDP.
Activities / Reports:
The Water Project has been highlighting Sanitation for the IYS>>
Collection of member case studies in a folder on sanitation>>
Summary of seminar at Stockholm World Week WBSCD hosted with SIWI and UNDP>>
BACK TO TOP >>
"Gender-Sensitive National Sanitation Policies - Opportunities and Challenges"
14 May 2008 The Division for Sustainable Development - UN DESA and the United Nations Gender and Water Task force organized a side event on gender-sensitive national sanitation policies during the 16th Commission on Sustainable Development in New York.
Presentations:
Statement by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs,
Mr. Sha Zukang>>
"Women Community Leaders Manage Rural Sanitation Programs in Central Asia" - Zaragul Davlatjanova (Kyrgyzstan)>>
"Eco-San Technology for Promotion of Human Dignity-Navsarjan's Experience" - Manjula Pradeep (India)>>
"Sanitation Policies in Senegal-Participatory Modalities " (FR) - Hon. Oumar Sarr (Senegal)>>
"Assessment of Sanitation Policies in the Caribbean Region" - Linnette Vassell (Jamaica)>>
"Gender Disparities in Sanitation Policies in Southern African Development Community Countries" - Abby Taka Mgugu (South Africa)>>
Event Flyer >>
CSD-16 website >>
CARIBSAN 2008
28-29 April 2008 The Caribbean Workshop on Sanitation - “Integration of Sanitation Policies into National Development Plans in the Caribbean Region” was held in Kingston, Jamaica 28-29 April. Among the many participants to the workshop were Ministers, professionals of institutions of the sector, scholars, members of the civil society, non-governmental agencies, donor agencies, development agencies and the private sector.
CARIBSAN Recommendations >>
CARIBSAN Final Report >>
For more information, please contact Ms. Kenza Kaouakib-Robinson (robinson1(at)un.org) or Mr. Francois Brikke (fbrikke(at)worldbank.org). BACK TO TOP >>
World Water Day 2008
World Water Day 2008 with the theme “Sanitation matters!” was celebrated by the United Nations on 20 March 2008. The official celebrations in Geneva featured high-level dignitaries including His Royal Highness Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. To draw attention to the current sanitation crisis, in which nearly 40% of the world population, don't have access to a basic toilet, a toilet queue at the premises of the UN in Geneva was organized. World Water Day 2008 was also celebrated by the UN in New York. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon stressed the need for action on the occassion of the day: “Let us go beyond raising awareness - let us press for action to make a measurable difference in people’s lives.”
Other events celebrating World Water Day 2008 >>
World Water Day 2008 Official Website >>
BACK TO TOP >>
AfricaSan+5 Conference 2008
February 18-20, 2008 During the conference, held in Durban, South Africa in early 2008, the delegates identified some critical challenges and issues, that stated the current situation on the topic areas, detailed responsibility for action, and how progress will be measured. The AfricaSan Conference agreed on critical actions that should be further developed, funded, and monitored until 2010.
The eThekwini Declaration and AfricaSan Action Plan >>
Official Homepage >>
BACK TO TOP >>
WSSCC Global Sanitation Fund
The Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) is launching the Global Sanitation Fund.
The Global Sanitation Fund is a newly created programme part of WSSCC. Its main goal is to boost sanitation expenditures for people-centred, community-managed and demand-driven work programmes, thus contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal sanitation target by 2015. The Global Sanitation Fund is the first global mechanism for financing sanitation and its launch is one of the major initiatives of the International Year of Sanitation 2008. More information >>
Training on wastewater management for decision-makers from 15 Arab countries
As one of UNEP's contributions to the International Year of Sanitation, the UNEP/GPA Coordination Office, jointly with the Arab Water Council (AWC), the Egyptian Ministry for Water Resources and Irrigation, and Delft-Environment, coordinated the delivery of a regional training course on wastewater management for decision-makers from Arab Countries, held in the first week of January 2008 in Cairo, based on the UNEP-UNESCO-UNDOALOS Train-Sea-Coast wastewater management training. More details are available in the report, which is available for download. Link >>
International Year of Sanitation 2008 Global Launch, New York, NY
21 November 2007 The United Nations officially launched the International Year of Sanitation to accelerate progress for 2.6 billion people world wide who are without proper sanitation facilities. The International Year of Sanitation logo was unveiled and the IYS public service announcement as well as the message of Gareth Thomas of the Department for International Development UK viewed. The launch of IYS, which runs through 2008, was organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the UN-Water Task Force on Sanitation. The event was attended by UN Member States, NGOs, citizen groups, academics and the private sector as well as members of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board [programme] BACK TO TOP >>
IYS Activities at World Water Week,
12-18 August 2007, Stockholm, Sweden
Preparing a Final Action Plan for the International Year of Sanitation (IYS) 2008, August 15, Seminar convened by UN-Water and UNSGAB [programme] [opening remarks] by H.R.H. the Prince of Orange, Chair of UNSGAB
Practical Approaches to Pro-Poor Water and Sanitation Governance, August 14, Seminar convened by UN-HABITAT and UNDP Water Governance Facility [programme], [opening remarks] by H.R.H. the Prince of Orange, Chair of UNSGAB
Integrated Slum Upgrading:
Meeting the Water and Sanitation Needs of the Poorest of the Poor, August 14, Seminar convened by UN-Habitat and Asian Development Bank [programme] [UN-Habitat summary]
Sanitation 21 - Let's Do Planning and Design Better, August 15, Seminar convened by International Water Association (IWA), Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and Swedish Water House (SWH) [programme]
Killing Fields of Sanitation - Politcial Neglect, August 16, Seminar convened by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the French Coordination for Water and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) [programme] [WSSCC summary report]
BACK TO TOP >>
7 May 2007 - Preparatory Meeting of International Year of Sanitation, Unicef House, New York Co-hosted by UNSGAB, UN-DESA and UNICEF and chaired by HRH Prince of Orange, Chair of UNSGAB [UNSGAB report], [Unicef report with video] [remarks] by H.R.H. the Prince of Orange, [remarks] by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Dominican Republic - Paradise Palma Real Resort
To celebrate the World Water Day 2008 and the International Year of Sanitation, the resort 
organized a variety of activities on March 19th and 20th. They arranged a visit to their water treatment with all the employees to raise awareness on the topics of sanitation and water. The beach has been cleaned up by bigger groups and a sanitation exhibition was organized, as well as a drawing contest for children about water. For all these activities around the World Water Day and the International Year of Sanitation, the resort was set into a special ambiance. Money was also raised through an auction to support the UNICEF Sanitation Programme. BACK TO TOP >>
Egypt - Science Across the World (SAW)
SAW Egypt administrators in cooperation with Arab Environment Association (NGO) were 
covering the World Water Day 2008 focusing on the International Year of Sanitation and organized several activities around the theme involving the younger and older generation. Activities organized included a march titled "Walk for Water - step to better future" and an art exhibition. The festival ended with a play by 45 children from El Manar Language School. During the event the SAW and AEA formulated a variety of outcomes as a result of the discussions (see report).
Full report>> BACK TO TOP >>
Germany - International Symposium “Coupling Sustainable Sanitation and Groundwater Protection”
The international symposium, that was held by the Federal Institute forGeosciences and Natural Reosurces (BGR) in Hannover between October 14 and 17, 2008, was considered as very useful and a way forward to further integrate the various disciplines (i.e. sustainable sanitation concepts, disposal of human excreta, surface and groundwater resources and utilisation) under the common goal of managing the limited resources in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the present and future generations. Full Report >> BACK TO TOP >>
India - Women's Eco-Sanitation Toilets
The Women's Eco Sanitation Toilets program is part of the "Wherever the need - Water is life"-organisation, that is actively involved in providing safe drinking water and sanitation since 2000. The International Year of Saniation gives them the opportunity to raise even more awareness to the topic and their projects. The project itself involves the people, preferably women on all stages. From planning in phase one up to building facilities in phase five.
Take a look on the report and see what big successes they already have achieved. Full report>> BACK TO TOP >>
Nigeria - Launch of the International Year of Sanitation
The 2008 International Year of Sanitation in Nigeria was officially launched on July 24, 2008 in Lagos as part of the National Council on Water Resources Meeting.
Although, the IYS was officially launched in July, the occasion provided another opportunity of highlighting the sanitation crisis in the country and the need to scale up successful models towards achieving the set targets for the year. The National launch of IYS has further demonstrated Federal Government’s commitments to sanitation and hygiene development in the country and would motivate other federal states that have not yet endorsed the IYS plans to do so.
Considering the late commencement of IYS activities in the country, the National Council on Water Resources has approved the proposal for adoption of 2009 as National Year of Sanitation in the country. Full report>> BACK TO TOP >>
Sierra Leone - "Let's talk water and sanitation"
The organisation "Action for Social Rights" (AfSoR) held an internactive and participatory 
discussion forum on World Water Day 2008, named "Let's talk water & sanitation". Panelists, organisations and participants were, with the background of the International Year of Sanitation focusing on topics like 'Wastemanagement and Sanitation' and 'The Effect of water and sanitation'. Summaries of the discussions, including outcomes and more information about the event is to be found in the report. Full report>> BACK TO TOP >>
Suriname - "Women for Water Partnership’s practical Regional Working Conference"
In October 2008 the Women for Water Partnership (WfWP) member NVB organised a WfWP Regional Working Conference in Paramaribo. 
The WfWP Regional Working Conferences are unique, because at the conferences initiatives of member organisations are developed into concrete projects in the field of IWRM and WATSAN. Relevant stakeholders are invited to participate in the joint development and subsequent implementation of these projects. The knowledge and experience about partnerships, appropriate technologies, micro finance, and up-scaling of successful initiatives were exchanged and put into practice. In Paramaribo representatives of women’s organisations discussed case studies from Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Suriname and Tobago. The representatives went home with new ideas and solutions in order to develop their project proposals further. Website>> BACK TO TOP >>
More local initiatives
Norway - FN-sambandet (UN Association of Norway):
Article in the 'FN-magasinet' concerning the IYS (in Norwegian) Article>>
Pakistan - Oxfam GB Pakistan Office:
Celebrating the IYS and Global Handwashing Day Brochure/Poster>> Concept>>
United Kingdom - International Water Association:
Development and Design of a Handwash brochure Brochure>>
United Kingodm - WaterAid:
"Lifeband - Empowering children to tackle a global issue" - Hygiene Poster>>
If your project is not listed here, feel free to send us an email with pictures, a short summary (90-120 words) and a report.