On November 30, 2022, the Asian Institute of Technology Thailand launched a new center aimed at solving challenges and inequities in the water and sanitation sector in Asia. The Global Water and Sanitation Center (GWSC) was launched with the support of an $8 million grant from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which will be used to assist governments, development banks, and other development partners in planning, designing, scaling, and executing sanitation development programs. Check our team
The GWSC aims to scale up the City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) approach by providing technical support for the planning, designing, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of CWIS programs. The center also plans to offer opportunities for commercialization, adoption, and scaling of transformative sanitation technologies, as well as establishing standards for the sanitation sector. Additionally, the center will offer a capacity-building program relevant to its mission.
The launch ceremony was attended by over 140 participants representing more than 45 organizations, including International Financing Institutions, development partners, academic and research institutions, and governmental agencies. Furthermore, the GWSC aims to incorporate other important issues in its mission, such as gender and social inclusion, climate change, innovative and inclusive financing, and public data systems in the implementation of its projects. The center’s establishment comes at a time when access to clean water and sanitation is a major global concern, and as such, the GWSC aims to play a vital role in addressing these issues in the Asian region. Learn what we do.
Welcome remarks
Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Vice Chairperson of the AIT Board of Trustees. Chairman of Management Committee Bangkok mass Transit System Public Company Limited and Former Miniters of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand and AIT Hall of Fame Inductee.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has launched a new initiative aimed at providing sustainable access to water and sanitation in Asia. The foundation’s vision is to share sanitation facilities among the nations and has enlisted the help of SCG Chemicals, a major partner, to develop toilets and merchandise for this purpose.
This initiative, the first of its kind by BMGF, has already yielded positive results. The implementation of the City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) program in Asia, in partnership with financial institutions, has led to the establishment of the Global Water and Sanitation Center (GWSC).
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) continues to excel in post-graduate education, research, short-term trainings, and certificate courses. The Institute has a capacity for even more than it has in the past, having produced over 25,000 research topics relevant to the development of countries in the region. Its strong network in the region allows it to assist donors more effectively than ever before. Check our AIT website.
The BMGF is to be commended for initiating this venture and all delegates are welcomed. The center, though started by BMGF, is a commitment to make the model successful, and this allows AIT to expand to other disciplines needed by countries in the region.
Keynote Address
Mr. Brian Arbogast, Director of Water Sanitation & Hygiene, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Sanitation is a basic human need, yet the reality is that almost half of the world’s population does not have access to safely managed sanitation. This not only affects individuals, but also has a detrimental impact on communities as a whole. The challenges of meeting water needs in light of a changing climate are becoming increasingly pressing, making it imperative that we accelerate progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of safely managed sanitation for all.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, investing over 300 million dollars in the past 12 years in the development of City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) and transformative technologies. These investments have led to the development of products such as the Reinvented Toilet and the Omni Processor, which are now entering the market. However, it is important to note that the CWIS is crucial in bringing these technologies to the overall sanitation market. Learn about BMGF.
In addition to technological advancements, the implementation of eco-friendly policies that support sustainable development is crucial. This policy not only improves overall sanitation, but also promotes sustainable development and supports the health and well-being of citizens.
Addressing the lack of safely managed sanitation for almost half of the world’s population is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. The BMGF’s investments in CWIS and transformative technologies, along with the implementation of eco-friendly policies, can help us achieve the SDG of safely managed sanitation and promote sustainable development. It is essential that we work together, involving all stakeholders, to bridge the gap and improve the lives of millions of people around the world.
Opening Remarks
Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation South & Southeast Asia Region, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Global Growth and Opportunity
Achieving sustainable outcomes is a crucial goal for development projects worldwide. City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) is an effective way to meet this goal but scaling CWIS projects is a complex task that requires a comprehensive approach. The implementation of new technologies, strategy, finance, institutional and manpower are all essential factors to consider. Governments, development banks, and other development partners play a crucial role in the planning, designing, scaling, and implementation of CWIS projects. They provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that projects are well-structured and executed.
The strategy for scaling CWIS projects should focus on supporting large-scale development projects such as those undertaken by development banks, which allows for impact at scale. Furthermore, to enhance the impact of CWIS projects, it is important to bring country-to-country learning to the ground level by sharing success stories from countries like India. The establishment of a learning center at AIT for TA Hub, IMIS, NSD, and WISE will also be beneficial in scaling CWIS projects.
Congratulatory remarks
H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand
The Government of India has launched the Jal Jivan Mission, a plan to support sustainable measures and ensure access to clean drinking water by 2024. The mission aims to conserve water, increase water tap supply, and improve grey and black water treatment. The goal of the mission is to provide tap water to 100% of the population. Currently, 54% of the population in India has access to tap water.
To achieve this goal, the government has committed to investing 44 billion dollars in the mission. This significant investment is expected to greatly improve access to clean drinking water for all citizens of India. The Jal Jivan Mission also aims to make rural India open defecation free. However, it should be noted that the government’s data on this aspect of the mission can be debated, as it is based on government data alone.
H.E. Mr. Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Ambassador of Nepal to Thailand
Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, AIT
The Global Water and Sanitation Centre (GWSC) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has a crucial role to play in addressing the pressing global challenge of water and sanitation. By adopting a collective academic approach, the GWSC brings about synergy and ensures that research, policy, and action are all integrated in addressing the water and sanitation needs of communities.
The GWSC aims to bring positive change not only to society, but also to the whole academia. It attracts new minds and perspectives to the field of water and sanitation. This new infusion of ideas and approaches brings a fresh perspective to the field and helps to ensure that the GWSC can address the needs in a holistic and sustainable manner.
Session I: “Leaving No One Behind: Advancing Water Sanitation & Hygiene Strategy” (Facilitated by Ms. Neelima Thota)
Prof. Thammarat Koottatep, GWSC Co-Director
Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet in many parts of Asia, this basic need remains unmet. In order to accelerate access to WASH for all in Asia by 2030, it is essential to scale City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) and transformative technologies. These solutions have been proven to be effective in addressing the complex challenges and inequities in the WASH sector.
One way to achieve this is through the development of catalytic platforms, which bring together expertise and innovation to solve the challenges and inequities in the WASH sector. These platforms, through their ecosystem of various stakeholders, can provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that CWIS and transformative technologies are effectively implemented at scale.
To effectively scale these solutions, a strong operational structure is needed. This structure should include an expert committee to provide guidance and advice on the implementation of CWIS and transformative technologies. A technical advisor and quality assurance group is also needed to ensure that the solutions are implemented in a manner that is consistent with best practices and standards.
In order to accelerate access to WASH for all in Asia by 2030, it is essential to scale City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) and transformative technologies. Catalytic platforms that bring together expertise and innovation to solve the challenges and inequities in the WASH sector, along with an ecosystem of various stakeholders, can provide the necessary support.
Isha Basyal, Deputy of Chief Operating Officer, GWSC
The TA HUB journey is an ongoing effort to improve the quality of project preparation and implementation in the field of water and sanitation. The goal of the TA HUB is to provide consistent metrics and knowledge sharing, support in any or all elements of the Project Cycle, incorporate innovative approaches and technologies, and provide real-time support through rapid mobilization. One example of the success of the TA HUB journey is the outcome of the IsDB project.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, GWSC Co-Director
Photo Innovative approaches and technologies have also been incorporated into the TA HUB’s approach, which has helped to ensure that projects are designed and implemented in a manner that is consistent with best practices and standards. Real-time support through rapid mobilization has also been provided, which has helped to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. In conclusion, the TA HUB journey is an ongoing effort to improve the quality of project preparation and implementation in the field of water and sanitation.
The sanitation crisis in developing countries is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Recognizing this, a new initiative is being launched to go beyond the traditional TA Hub approach and put sanitation at the center of development. The goal is to accelerate progress towards achieving SDG 6.2 in the region, which calls for access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
This new initiative is taking a holistic approach to addressing the sanitation crisis. It is not just focused on providing basic sanitation infrastructure, but also on addressing the underlying gender and institutional issues that have contributed to the crisis. Gender transformation is a key focus of the initiative, as it recognizes that women and girls are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to adequate sanitation.
Climate change is also a major concern, as it is expected to have a significant impact on sanitation systems and deliveries. The initiative is taking this into account by promoting climate-resilient sanitation systems and deliveries.
In addition to addressing these issues, the initiative is also focused on promoting and commercializing sanitation technology. A technology hub is being established to accelerate the development and deployment of new and innovative sanitation technologies.
Data is also a crucial component of the initiative. A data resource center will be established within the GWSC to ensure that accurate and up-to-date data is available to inform decision-making and track progress.
The ultimate goal of the initiative is to leverage over USD 1 billion in investment by 2025 and serve countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and beyond. It is a bold and ambitious plan, but one that is necessary to address the pressing sanitation crisis in the region.
Dr. Kavinda Gunasekara, GWSC Chief Operating Officer
Photo Despite widespread agreement on the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, progress has been disappointingly slow. But new research suggests that leveraging data can help accelerate progress and scale up outcomes for sanitation services.
Geo-spatial planning and data, when used together, have the potential to deliver inclusion, sustainability, and reliability in sanitation services. Data, in particular, is a powerful tool for bringing about these outcomes.
To take full advantage of this potential, experts are calling for the establishment of a data resource center. This center of excellence would be dedicated to data governance, accountability, and interoperability, and would work in partnership with innovative solutions providers to improve public data systems and support planning and service delivery. Such a center would be a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of SDG 6.2, and could help bring about the changes needed to achieve this critical goal.
Second session: Panel Discussion I – Paradigm Shift: Scaling the SDG 6.2 Impacts (Facilitated by: Prof. Chary)
Mr. Md. Atiqul Islam, Mayor of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Recently, in the last 2 years, the management of canals in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka, has been transferred to the city corporation. This has significantly improved the water and rainwater management in the city. The primary purpose of this transfer is for storm drain management. However, it should be noted that the city corporation does not have a sewerage system in place. This responsibility falls on Dhaka WASHA. Despite this transfer, the fact remains that there is currently no complete sewerage system in place in Dhaka.
The Global Water and Sanitation Centre (GWSC) plays a vital role in bringing positive changes to the water and sanitation sector in Bangladesh. The GWSC can provide intermediate solutions that are needed in Dhaka. The lack of a complete sewerage system in the city highlights the need for the GWSC to intervene in the city’s water and sanitation sector.
Technology is also an important aspect in addressing the water and sanitation challenges in Dhaka. The city needs technological interventions to address its water and sanitation challenges.
In conclusion, the transfer of the management of canals to the city corporation has significantly improved water and rainwater management in Bangladesh, especially in Dhaka. However, the city corporation does not have a sewerage system in place and Dhaka WASHA is responsible for the sewerage system. The lack of a complete sewerage system highlights the need for intermediate solutions. The GWSC can play a vital role in providing these solutions and the technological intervention that Dhaka needs to address its water and sanitation challenges.
Dr. Sanjeev Rana, Executive Director, Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board
In Nepal, 89% of the population is connected to on-site sanitation systems, however, the waste is often illegally dumped. Despite being declared as Open Defecation Free (ODF), rural areas in Nepal are still known to practice open defecation. This highlights the challenges faced in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
To address these challenges, a regulatory framework is being envisioned in Nepal. This framework aims to improve the management and disposal of waste from on-site sanitation systems. Additionally, the government has recognized the importance of WASH and has regarded it as a fundamental right of the people. The parliament has passed the Water Act for the first time in Nepal, which is a positive step towards addressing the water and sanitation challenges in the country.
In conclusion, Nepal faces challenges in achieving the SDG 6.2 despite a high percentage of population connected to on-site sanitation systems. The illegal dumping of waste, open defecation in rural areas, and lack of a proper regulatory framework are some of the reasons for this. However, the government has recognized the importance of WASH as a fundamental right of the people and has passed the Water Act, which is a positive step towards addressing the water and sanitation challenges in the country.
Third session: Panel Discussion II – Paradigm Shift: Accelerating the SDG 6.2 Impacts
Facilitator: Prof. Tanvir Ahmed
Panelists:
Ms. Kelly Hattel, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Asian Development Bank
Mr. Ping Yean Cheah, Senior Strategy Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Mr. Papa Sy, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist, Islamic Development Bank Pane
In addressing the water and sanitation needs of communities, it is important to look at the problems holistically. Finding bankable projects can be difficult, and this is where the Global Water and Sanitation Centre (GWSC) can help bridge the gap. The GWSC can assist in involving local communities from the inception of the project and identifying scalable projects that can be implemented at a larger scale.
Early dialogue is crucial for policy and community participation and awareness building. This is necessary to ensure that comprehensive approaches are taken from the start. Climate change is an important factor to consider when addressing water and sanitation, and it is important to understand the impact of climate change on water and sanitation.
Financing is important, but it is also necessary to understand the institutional settings of each country in order to make investments. Institutional settings can cause major hurdles, such as overlapping duties and responsibilities. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) estimates that 21 billion USD is needed to fill the gap for 47 out of 49 member states.
Partnerships are vital to bridge the gap and provide innovative financing solutions to mobilize private capital for the water and sanitation sector. The TA HUB can play an important role in engaging different stakeholders and understanding the objectives of development partners.
Addressing the water and sanitation needs of communities requires a holistic approach. The GWSC can assist in identifying bankable projects and involving local communities from the start. Early dialogue and policy participation are crucial for comprehensive approaches. Climate change must be considered and the institutional settings of each country must be understood. Partnerships and innovative financing solutions are vital to bridge the gap and mobilize private capital for the water and sanitation sector.
Closing Remarks
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT President
Approximately 2 billion people lack access to safely managed water and 3.6 billion lack safely managed sanitation. If nothing changes, we will not be able to meet the water demand by 2030, making it impossible to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. To address this current and future challenges, accelerating investment in water and sanitation, building the capacity of individuals and institutions, and creating global partnerships between governments, donors, and civil society are key.
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has a legacy of 60 years of working in the water and sanitation sectors, and it has a greater role to play in Asia and the Pacific. Therefore, AIT is happy and honored to host the Global Water and Sanitation Center (GWSC), which aims to expedite and support the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) strategy in Asia and beyond. The GWSC will work with governments, International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and other development partners.
It is my pleasure to witness the participation of everyone in the launch of the GWSC, and the commitment of the IFIs, academia, research industries, government, non-governmental organizations and individuals to support the vision and mission of the center. I would like to express my greatest appreciation to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and partners for your trust, and AIT remains committed to fulfilling the vision and mission of the GWSC. I wish the center and the dream team succeed in delivering safe and sustainable access to sanitation in the region.
GWSC Launch Side Events: Water Security & Climate Change Conference 2022
Water Security and Climate Change Conference 2022
GWSC Side Event Session: ‘Survive, Adapt & Thrive – Approaches Towards Climate Resilient Sanitation Technology’
December 1, 2022, 11 am – 12:20 pm
Moderator: Prof Sangam Shrestha
Panellists: Brian Arbogast (BMGF), Prof Juliet Willetts (UTS), Prof Thammarat Koottatep (AIT), Marie Reysset (UPM), Chris Chan (TUV-SUD), Brooke Yamakoshi (UNICEF), Shelley Mc Millan (World Bank), Yuki Terada (AIIB)
Photos As climate change continues to threaten the development of cities worldwide, many are struggling to integrate necessary adaptation measures into their governance structures and build resilient systems to combat the impacts of a changing climate. One area that often goes overlooked in these efforts is sanitation, with a mere 2% of planning documents mentioning this crucial aspect of urban infrastructure.
In Thailand, for example, the existing sewer system is not functioning as intended, with centralized wastewater treatment plants only able to process 27% of the country’s waste. Many households instead rely on on-site sanitation without proper management and treatment of fecal sludge.
A study conducted by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in several cities in Indonesia identified four main challenges in transitioning to climate-resilient sanitation services: institutional, financing, infrastructure and services, and user engagement. These challenges include a lack of coordinated policy and planning that addresses the impacts of climate change, insufficient connection between climate disaster and sanitation, a lack of systems for measuring climate-resilient sanitation services, and poor user engagement, including low levels of data use, behavior change, and awareness.
To address these challenges, cities must prioritize monitoring and evaluation, sector financing, user engagement and accountability, regulation, and policies. For example, Gambia has taken steps to build political will to monitor sanitation-related greenhouse gas emissions by identifying climate-related risks, initiating institutional reform to better link disaster risk reduction and sanitation, and developing a master plan for wastewater that incorporates climate change and resilience. Similarly, in Indonesia, local governments have incorporated climate awareness into sanitation socialization activities and adapted infrastructure to be resilient in the face of changing water levels.
As climate change and sanitation development continue to be major challenges, it is crucial to reframe our strategies and deliver effective support for public services. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting innovative technologies, we can achieve meaningful change. Additionally, standardization is necessary to ensure that wastewater treatment systems are functioning properly and meeting qualifications.
International organizations such as UNICEF and the World Bank are also working to integrate climate change considerations into their programs. UNICEF, for example, is performing climate risk assessments in Indonesia to identify and address risks, while the World Bank is incorporating climate change into its projects and involving urban and rural development sectors to mitigate impacts. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is using visual materials and interactive systems to communicate with governments at all levels and encourage climate-resilient policies.