Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), successfully concluded a three-day capacity development program from September 10-12, 2024. The event brought together 20 representatives from 10 IsDB member countries across Asia, focusing on enhancing expertise in the sanitation sector. The program aimed to equip participants from National Sanitation Executing Agencies with knowledge in Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), and advanced sanitation technologies. The goal is to ensure sustainable and inclusive approaches to future water and sanitation projects, contributing to improved public health and environmental outcomes across the region.
Prof. Pai-Chi Li, newly-appointed president of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), warmly welcomed attendees, highlighting AIT and the Global Water & Sanitation Center’s (GWSC) role in advancing research and innovation, particularly regarding SDG 6—ensuring access to water and sanitation for all. He thanked participants for their involvement, emphasizing opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas to address global sanitation challenges. He concluded by wishing everyone a successful event and encouraging continued efforts toward SDG 6 goals.
Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, speaking virtually, emphasized the need for learning and collaboration in global sanitation efforts. He urged participants to apply their knowledge to enhance sanitation systems in their home countries, recognizing support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Advocating for the Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) approach, he called for a shift from infrastructure to sustainable sanitation services, aligned with SDG 6.2. While praising the training program’s course, he suggested a greater focus on service delivery for vulnerable communities and assured continued support from GWSC and its partners.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Papa SY addressed the challenge of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) for clean water and sanitation, particularly for member countries. He noted the urgency, with few countries on track for the 2030 target and nearly 500 million people lacking basic toilets. The IsDB is responding with two strategic pillars: inclusive human capital development and resilient infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) in IsDB’s urban strategy and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership between AIT-GWSC to support member countries’ sanitation goals, aligning the training program with IsDB’s approach.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha introduced GWSC at AIT, an initiative to advance the water and sanitation agenda aligned with the SDGs. He noted collaboration with 40 education partners and highlighted key initiatives like the Technical Assistance Hub, which manages around 20 projects, and the Data and Innovation Hub for SDG 6.2 monitoring. The center focuses on commercializing transformative sanitation technologies and has secured ISO certifications. Prof. Sangam emphasized GWSC’s partnership with the IsDB, and it’s influence on over $1.5 billion in investments. Also, highlighting that AIT currently has around 193 students from IsDB member countries and over 3,500 alumni.
Prof. Thammarat Koottatep emphasized that AIT serves as a regional hub, collaborating with NGOs, the private sector, and global agencies since 1959 to advance the water and sanitation sector through research and practical interventions. He highlighted GWSC, which offers training and partners with organizations like BMGF. While AIT focuses on South and Southeast Asia, it is expanding to include students from Central Asia with IsDB’s support. Prof. Thammarat sees this event as a starting point for deeper collaboration and mutual learning, encouraging unity with the message, “You never walk alone.”
Ms. Brooke Yamakoshi praised UNICEF’s partnerships with IsDB and AIT in advancing sanitation and achieving SDG 6.2. She noted that only one-third of the population has safe sanitation and highlighted the need for increased action, especially for vulnerable groups. Reflecting on milestones like the MDGs and the recognition of water and sanitation as human rights in 2010. Ms. Brooke stressed the need for data to address gaps in urban areas and highlighted the role of comprehensive faecal sludge management (FSM). She concluded by urging targeted efforts to achieve cleaner water and better health, warning that inaction will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Opening the two-day intensive training, Prof. Thammarat Koottatep set the stage by addressing the critical sanitation challenges in Asia, highlighting the importance of Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) in urban areas. He presented transformative technologies, including the reinvented toilet and the Omni Processor, along with a suitability matrix for comparing these technologies. This matrix prompted discussions about the applicability of these solutions in rural settings, given their higher costs, and raised questions about whether AIT or GWSC would consider reevaluating the financial implications
Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, who leads national WASH capacity-building and the regional CWIS program, shared valuable insights on CWIS functions and outcomes. Audience discussions centered on adjustments needed for financial and economic analyses within the CWIS framework, the effectiveness of a single authority managing water, waste, and sewage versus separate entities, and the challenge of municipalities collecting tariffs from low-income households’ post-subsidization. Additionally, participants explored the critical importance of adhering to project timelines and the potential impacts of missing or delayed components on the CWIS model.
Data at the Core: Transformative Learnings from Day 2
Ms. Anindita emphasized the importance of data collection and evaluation for improving compliance and outcomes, noting that monitoring tracks progress while evaluation ensures accountability. She called for comprehensive indicators that reflect gender and social equity and advocate for transparent data. A discussion on challenges in data collection highlighted issues like manipulation by government bodies, which hinder effective monitoring. Suggestions included digitalization for real-time data collection to minimize alterations and address inaccuracies caused by fear of blame.
Dr. Kavinda’s presentation focused on creating a comprehensive framework for monitoring and evaluating sanitation activities in Bangladesh, addressing challenges in integrating various initiatives and data sources. He highlighted the national sanitation dashboard established in 2019, which compiles data from 61 towns in Bangladesh, and the use of digital technologies, like mobile apps, to enhance data management. He stressed the importance of data governance frameworks for quality and security, alongside stakeholder engagement from government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. However, he noted challenges like the need for data-driven decision-making and a lack of standardization. He cited Nepal’s successful implementation of an integrated Electronic Building Permit System (EBPS) as a positive example.
Ms. Isha’s presentation on Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) planning aimed to ensure universal, safe, and equitable sanitation for urban residents. The approach integrates geospatial analysis, environmental risk assessment, and infrastructure evaluation for both sewered and non-sewered areas. CWIS emphasizes the enabling environment, including policy frameworks, capacity building, and community engagement, alongside the need for sustainable financing and resource allocation. Key concerns raised included the low percentage budget allocation for capacity building, the integration of water supply into sanitation projects, and the CWIS framework’s applicability to other sectors like solid waste management.
Mr. Bipin emphasized the importance of clear Terms of Reference (ToR) for consultants in sanitation projects, using a Bangladesh example to illustrate how clarity leads to success. He highlighted the significance of social factors, diverse expert teams, and stakeholder engagement. Concerns about sanitation expertise in regions like Indonesia prompted suggestions for collaboration with local universities, highlighting the need for thorough preparation and clear communication.
After the lectures, participants engaged in a group exercise centered on a case study in Jaro, aimed at implementing City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). Representing key stakeholders—municipality, service provider, general community, and low-income community—they explored responsibilities along the sanitation value chain. Through analysis of roles and discussions on infrastructure, regulations, inclusivity, and finance, the activity sparked enthusiasm, with participants requesting additional discussion time that fostered collaboration and innovative ideas.
On the Ground Learning and Recognition: Day 3 Highlights
The Department of Drainage and Sewerage (DDS) of the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority presented its initiatives on flood and wastewater management, with a focus on strategic project planning and implementation, to the participants. Despite challenges such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and limited infrastructure, the DDS highlighted the importance of comprehensive planning, community involvement, and effective resource allocation in ensuring the success of its sanitation projects. The participants expressed that the insights gained from this brief visit would be invaluable in shaping both current and future projects in their respective countries.
As part of the Day 3 activities, participants visited the testing laboratories at AIT. The primary objective of this visit was to showcase AIT’s extensive capabilities beyond its academic role, particularly its standardized testing services available to stakeholders in the sanitation sector. As part of the AIT-GWSC’s Performance and Proficiency Testing Hub, the visit emphasized the ongoing activities at NATS laboratory and the performance testing laboratory. The NATS lab demonstrated its capacity to conduct wastewater and faecal sludge analysis, as well as proficiency testing and laboratory training services. Meanwhile, the visit to the performance testing lab highlighted its crucial role in evaluating the performance consistency and material behavior of prefabricated domestic wastewater treatment products and decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS).