Intersections: Bringing together necessary elements for Inclusive, Sustainable Sanitation Strategies in Cities

Access to adequate, aspirational and appropriate sanitation continues to be a great challenge in many cities, particularly those that are growing rapidly, and especially for those in slums and informal settlements. Although there have been efforts made to increase access, with some modest success, the MDG target on sanitation was significantly missed, and 2.4 billion people remain without a toilet today. Furthermore, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of those living in cities without access to sanitation declined by only 3%. The challenge of adequate, sustainable and lasting sanitation requires a variety of angles and areas of expertise. It is a technology challenge that lends itself to adaptation and innovation; it is a market development challenge that requires a systemic approach that supports access to affordable financing mechanisms, products and services to serve the poor; it is a city services and infrastructure challenge that is place and resource defined, and that requires political will to reach the poor; and it is a cultural and community challenge that includes considerations of land, maintenance, health, safety, behavior change, and decision-making; and finally, it is a challenge of gender equity, with cultural concerns and challenges specific to women. The New Urban Agenda envisions a world with equitable and affordable access to physical and social infrastructure, and realization of the human right to sanitation. This requires sensitivity to the particular needs of women, children, and people who face additional barriers from fully participating in urban life. This networking event will bring together representatives from foundations, implementing agencies, and research/advocacy organizations to address the intersections of technology, infrastructure, market development, community engagement, and gender issues. Panelists will identify best practices and lessons learned for coordinated implementation of sanitation projects for the urban poor in less developed countries.