UNITED NATIONS’ RESPONSE TO THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SANITATION (IYS), 2008 Kenza Kaouakib-Robinson United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) UN coordinator for IYS 15 August 2007,Stockholm

Why IYS ? Importance of sanitation for economic and social development The world is not on track for the established target WSSD, thrust of CSD 12 and 13 UNSGAB advocacy Coordination at UN level

Objective 1. Increase awareness and commitment from actors at all levels, both inside and outside the sector, on the importance of reaching the sanitation MDG, including health, gender equity, education, sustainable development, economic and environmental issues, via compelling and frank communication, robust monitoring data, and sound evidence.

UN Response to Objective 1. World Water Day (2008) Expo Zaragoza (UN Pavilion) JMP Thematic Report on Sanitation Annual Report on Water Supply and Sanitation Global WASH campaign activities Impact and Sustainability Study for Wash in Schools

Objective 2. Mobilize Governments (from national to local) existing alliances, financial institutions, sanitation and service providers, major groups, the private sector and UN Agencies via rapid collaborative agreements on how and who will undertake needed steps now.

UN Response to Objective 2. Support country action plans for IYS Developing MDG Sanitation Roadmaps at Country Level Develop Guidelines for the inclusion of Sanitation in SWAPs and PRSPs

Objective 3. Secure real commitments to review, develop and implement effective action to scale up sanitation programmes and strengthen sanitation policies via the assignment of clear responsibilities for getting this done at the national and international levels.

UN Response to Objective 3. Regional ministerial meetings (Asia, Africa, Latin America) Interregional conference on sanitation CSD-16

Objective 4. Encourage demand driven, sustainable & traditional solutions, and informed choices by recognizing the importance of working from the bottom up with practitioners and communities.

UN Response to Objective 4. Pilot demonstration and best practices for sanitation Explore and expand the Private Sector’s role in marketing sanitation at Country level Decision model for selection of appropriate sanitation systems

Objective 5. Secure increased financing to jump start and sustain progress via commitments from national budgets and development partner allocations.

UN Response to Objective 5. Establishment of a sanitation and hygiene Trust Fund and a small grant programme Budgeting for Sanitation - How to actually cost sanitation Cost-benefit analysis of sanitation options

Objective 6. Develop and strengthen institutional and human capacity via recognition at all levels that progress in sanitation toward the MDGs involves interlinked programmes in hygiene, household and school facilities (such as toilets and washing facilities), and the collection, treatment and safe reuse or disposal of wastewater and human excreta. Community mobilization, the recognition of women's key role and stake, along with an appropriate mix of "software" and "hardware" interventions are essential.

UN Response to Objective 6. Strengthening countries’ capacity in the safe use of waste water Sanitation in Emergencies National and regional workshops and training courses on sanitation Capacity building workshop of water utilities in Latin America Assess. of impact of Sanitation interventions on other MDG's

Objective 7. Enhance the sustainability and therefore the effectiveness of available sanitation solutions, to enhance health impacts, social and cultural acceptance, technological and institutional appropriateness, and the protection of the environment and natural resources.

UN Response to Objective 7. Development and promotion of integrated sanitation management (ISM) concept Compendium of Publications (technical guidelines) Publication on Improved Child Friendly Technologies for Schools and Emergencies

Objective 8. Promote and capture learning to enhance the evidence base and knowledge on sanitation which will greatly contribute to the advocacy and increase investments in the sector.

UN Response to Objective 8. Expert Group Meeting on sanitation's definitions and data, including gender disaggregated data Workshop on linkages between improved sanitation and girls’ education Promoting pro-poor governance approaches in sanitation Assessment of the burden of disease associated with sanitation Assemble evidence base for the impact of sanitation and hygiene on child survival to ensure its recognition Booklet on sanitation basics under preparation

Other key elements of the UN response Communication strategy Launching of IYS (Global, Regional and National) International Year of Sanitation Website (DESA): http://esa.un.org/iys contact e-mail address: sanitation@un.org

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