In a major stride to ensure universal access to water and sanitation, the governments of South Sudan and Malawi on Monday announced the launch of Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation.
The announcement was made at Stockholm World Water Week, which gathered thousands of international leaders and experts this week to address the water and sanitation crisis.
Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation mark a significant step forward in improving public health, ending open defecation, and increasing climate resiliency. The Compacts are built upon clear commitments that encompass increased budget allocations, innovative sources of financing, and comprehensive plans for the construction of vital water and sanitation infrastructure.
In a key Compact commitment, South Sudan has earmarked USD 56 million, equivalent to nearly 2 percent of the country’s GDP, to bolster Compact strategies, which include empowering communities to end open defecation by 2030.
The country will also expedite the passing of the Water Bill 2014 to ensure a safe water supply.
The Compacts are part of the “Heads of State Initiatives” project, a groundbreaking effort aimed at advancing water and sanitation services worldwide, which was jointly launched during Stockholm World Water Week by the Government of the Netherlands, IRC WASH, the UN-hosted Sanitation and Water for All global partnership (SWA) and UNICEF. The partners will serve in an advisory capacity to the Compacts, providing critical technical expertise and coordinated advocacy.
Additionally, Nigeria announced its intention to serve as a Compact mentor, providing its expertise in engaging Heads of State to ensure the prioritization of water and sanitation.
Speaking at the launch event, the partners commended Malawi and South Sudan for their announcements.
Patrick Moriarty, the CEO of IRC WASH, said clean, safe drinking water and safely managed sanitation services are not just human rights, they are fundamental building blocks for human and economic development and resilience in the face of climate change.
“They are fundamental to any country’s development and need to be given the highest priority– championed by heads of state, prioritized around the cabinet table,” he said.
For her part, Catarina de Albuquerque, the CEO of SWA, said that to achieve water and sanitation for all by 2030, a roughly six-fold increase in current rates of progress worldwide is needed.
“However, we will not get there without ambition, action, and accountability from presidents and prime ministers,” she said. “Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights and essential for achieving secure stable resilient futures for every country.”
“These Compacts demonstrate a collective commitment to transforming the lives of millions,” De Albuquerque added.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdi, the deputy executive director, of programs, UNICEF, said empowering children with access to safe water and sanitation is not just a commitment, but a testament to a brighter, healthier future.
“As governments unite in their pledge to increase access to these basic necessities, we provide not only access to safe water services and sanitation but bridges to a world where children can thrive without the risk of waterborne disease or compromise their learning or safety while collecting water,” Abdi said.