On January 13-14, 2025, a gathering of experts and changemakers addressed the region’s critical sanitation challenges, the South and Southeast Asia Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Forum brought together key stakeholders from policy, research, and implementation sectors. The event, organized by United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) and the Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS), with Gates Foundation support, showcased groundbreaking approaches to regional sanitation challenges.

The Scale of the Challenge

At the heart of the forum’s discussions was a sobering reality: 4.5 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed sanitation. Despite progress in basic toilet access in countries like Thailand, the transition to comprehensive sanitation systems remains inadequate. According to Prof. Thammarat Koottatep, Co-Director of the Global Water and Sanitation Center (GWSC) at the Asian Institute of Technology, addressing this gap requires unprecedented investment—potentially 25 times current levels in some regions.

Innovation Across the Sanitation Value Chain

During his pivotal session on “Strengthening Sanitation Innovation and Technology Networks in South & Southeast Asia,” Prof. Koottatep outlined a comprehensive vision for transforming sanitation systems. He emphasized innovations spanning the entire sanitation chain:

The introduction of solar septic tanks offers sustainable treatment solutions, while cyclone cube toilets present efficient answers for space-constrained urban environments. These technologies, designed to meet ISO 3500 compliance standards, represent just the beginning of necessary innovations. However, Prof. Thammarat stressed that success requires more than technological advancement—it demands bridging the gap between laboratory research and market implementation, coupled with professional development in the sector.

Climate-Wise Urban Sanitation

The forum introduced a paradigm shift from traditional Citywide Inclusive Sanitation to Climate-Wise Inclusive Sanitation. This evolution reflects the mounting pressures of climate change on urban infrastructure. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and temperature fluctuations pose unprecedented challenges to sanitation systems, particularly in informal settlements and unplanned urban areas.

Digital Integration and Sustainable Solutions

The future of sanitation lies in smart integration of digital technologies and sustainable practices. Prof. Koottatep advocated for sophisticated approaches including:

  • Life cycle cost analysis for long-term sustainability
  • Carbon sequestration models to minimize environmental impact
  • Internet of Toilets implementation for system optimization
  • Greenhouse gas reduction strategies
  • System regeneration techniques

Collaborative Path Forward

The forum emphasized that successful implementation requires unprecedented cooperation between government bodies, academic institutions, and private sector partners. This multi-stakeholder approach is essential for developing and deploying solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

Looking Ahead

The South and Southeast Asia CWIS Forum represents a crucial step toward reimagining sanitation systems for the 21st century. Through the integration of innovative technologies, climate-resilient design, and inclusive planning, the region is positioning itself to address one of humanity’s most fundamental challenges. Prof. Koottatep’s contributions highlight the potential for transformative change when expertise, innovation, and collaboration converge.

The task ahead is immense, but the forum demonstrated that with proper investment, technological innovation, and cross-sector cooperation, achieving safe and sustainable sanitation for all is within reach. The emphasis on climate resilience and digital integration suggests a future where sanitation systems not only serve their primary function but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability and public health.