GWSC at the Forefront of Sanitation Innovation at IWA SANITACTION Innovators Expo

The Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC), a renowned leader in water and sanitation solutions, recently took center stage at the IWA SANITACTION Innovators Expo, part of the esteemed IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition. Held in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda, from December 10th to 14th, 2023, the event was a showcase of global innovation and collaboration in the sanitation sector. Representing the GWSC were esteemed members of the GWSC team: Prof. Thammarat Koottatep, co-Director; Dr. Kavinda Gunasekara, Chief Operating Officer; Ms. Isha Basyal, Deputy COO; and Ms. Makfie Farah, Bangladesh Resident Program Manager. These distinguished professionals brought with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, contributing to the discourse on sanitation and public health.

Throughout the expo, the GWSC team highlighted their contributions to the field, including their geospatial city-wide inclusive planning approach. This approach is pivotal in aiding low-income communities by integrating various planning elements to ensure meticulous sanitation planning. The GWSC’s commitment to utilising data for informed decision-making was evident as they showcased their innovative models designed to integrate public data systems across national and sub-national levels. The team also discussed their Urban-Rural Convergence for Fecal Sludge Management initiative. This transformative project, implemented in Dhankanal, Odisha, India, has been instrumental in transcending traditional urban-rural divides, thereby setting a precedent for enhancing sanitation standards through strategic partnerships with local and state governments. The participation of the GWSC at the IWA SANITACTION Innovators Expo was not only an opportunity to display their groundbreaking work but also a chance to engage with other sector partners and experts. The event fostered an environment of knowledge sharing and was a testament to the collective efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Here are infographics showing each technology:

 

To explore more about the GWSC’s initiatives and their participation at the expo, we invite you to visit our LinkedIn page for a series of posts that cover the event in depth: Post 1, Post 2, Post 3, Post 4,Post 5