UN WATER
More than 40 organizations have joined forces to launch the Global Call to Action on Strengthening Water and Sanitation Regulatory Systems, a coordinated effort to improve public health, equity and climate resilience by strengthening regulatory frameworks worldwide.
The need for acceleration in strong regulation was reinforced in the most recent UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) report, which found that many countries still lack adequate regulatory frameworks, particularly for sanitation. Where effective regulation does exist, the report noted, countries make faster progress toward their national WASH targets.
The Call to Action outlines practical steps for governments, regulators, donors and partners to build enabling environments for strong regulation. It emphasizes the importance of legally binding standards, autonomous institutions, inclusive oversight and sustainable financing. It also highlights the role of regional regulatory associations in driving progress and sharing tools, expertise and capacity across borders.
The launch event featured remarks from global leaders including Ms. Retno Marsudi, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water, and Bruce Gordon, Head of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene at WHO and Vice-Chair of UN-Water, the UN’s inter-agency coordination mechanism for water-related issues.
The Call to Action is available for download in six languages – English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic – and is accompanied by launch videos in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. All materials are accessible here.
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