Many countries in Asia face investment barriers to meeting the sanitation target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): “halving by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation.” With still more than 2 million Asians not enjoying the environmental and health benefits of improved, if not adequate, sanitation facilities, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is confronting Asia’s sanitation challenge head on.
Dubbed “Dignity, Disease, and Dollars,” ADB’s sanitation agenda advocates the need for
- Better facilities for individuals so they can regain their dignity
- Disease prevention and healthy environment for the wider community
- Financial viability of sanitation services for provider governments and utilities
The agenda’s proposed actions are part of a rolling plan that envisages advancing sanitation in partnership with like-minded agencies able to complement ADB’s reach, skills, and resources. Partnering with organizations such as the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program, World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, and Asia-Pacific Water Forum in this high-level conference is one way of making ADB’s vision a reality.
This conference gathered leaders of 15 countries in East Asia to discuss options for accelerated action to achieve and exceed the MDG sanitation target.
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The conference aimed to
- Generate commitments from governments and partners to increase investment in improved sanitation and hygiene
- Agree on a joint declaration to implement effective national policies, programs and partnerships for sanitation and hygiene
- Explore options for establishing a regional process on sanitation and hygiene to maintain focus and attention on this vital issue
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The conference was jointly organized by the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Children's Fund, in association with the Asia-Pacific Water Forum and ADB.
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Ministers and leading professionals from East Asian countries participated in the conference.
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The conference was held at Suginoi Hotel, Beppu City, Japan.
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