Malawi and South Sudan Announce Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation

Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation Launched in Malawi and South Sudan

STOCKHOLM, 21 August 2023 – In a major stride to ensure universal access to water and sanitation, the governments of Malawi and South Sudan today announced the launch of Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation. The announcement was made at Stockholm World Water Week, which gathered thousands of international leaders and experts this week to address the water and sanitation crisis.

The Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation mark a significant step forward in improving public health, ending open defecation, and increasing climate resiliency. The Compacts are built upon clear commitments that encompass increased budget allocations, innovative sources of financing, and comprehensive plans for the construction of vital water and sanitation infrastructure.

Key Compact commitments include:

• Malawi: In support of the $145 million in funding received from the World Bank, the Compact will provide a blueprint for rebuilding water and sanitation infrastructure and enhancing climate resiliency following the devastation from Cyclone Freddy.
• South Sudan: The country has earmarked $56 million – equivalent to nearly 2% of the country’s GDP – to bolster their Compact strategies, which include empowering communities to end open defecation by 2030. They will also expedite the passing of Water Bill 2014 to ensure a safe water supply.

The Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation are part of the “Heads of State Initiatives” project, a groundbreaking effort aimed at advancing water and sanitation services worldwide. The project was jointly launched during Stockholm World Water Week by the Government of the Netherlands, IRC WASH, the UN-hosted Sanitation and Water for All global partnership (SWA), and UNICEF. These partners will serve in an advisory capacity to the Compacts, providing critical technical expertise and coordinated advocacy.

Additionally, Nigeria announced its intention to serve as a Compact mentor, providing its expertise in engaging Heads of State to ensure the prioritization of water and sanitation.

Speaking at the launch event, the partners commended Malawi and South Sudan for their announcements:

Patrick Moriarty, CEO of IRC WASH:

“Clean, safe drinking water and safely managed sanitation services aren’t just human rights, they’re fundamental building blocks for human and economic development and resilience in the face of climate change. They are fundamental to any country’s development and need to be given the highest priority – championed by heads of state, prioritized around the cabinet table.”

Catarina de Albuquerque, CEO of SWA:

“To achieve water and sanitation for all by 2030, we’ll need a roughly six-fold increase in current rates of progress worldwide. However, we won’t get there without ambition, action, and accountability from Presidents and Prime Ministers. Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights and essential for achieving secure stable resilient futures for every country. These Compacts demonstrate a collective commitment to transforming the lives of millions.”

Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director, Programmes, UNICEF:

“Empowering children with access to safe water and sanitation is not just a commitment, but a testament to a brighter, healthier future. As governments unite in their pledge to increase access to these basic necessities, we provide not only access to safe water services and sanitation but bridges to a world where children can thrive without the risk of waterborne disease or compromise their learning or safety while collecting water.”

Notes to Editors

• In 2022, the Government of the Netherlands, IRC WASH, SWA, and UNICEF jointly agreed to boost political leadership for water, sanitation, and hygiene. Today, “Heads of State Initiatives” invite Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Monarchs to drive forward progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all. These efforts are supported by a dedicated combination of partners at global, regional, and national levels. Learn more: https://www.sanitationandwaterforall.org/heads-state-initiatives

Stockholm World Water Week is the leading annual event on global water issues, organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). The event provides a platform for experts, decision-makers, and innovators to exchange ideas, foster new thinking, and develop solutions to the most pressing water-related challenges.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article highlights the launch of Presidential Compacts on Water and Sanitation in Malawi and South Sudan, which aim to improve access to water and sanitation. This directly aligns with SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

The article mentions that the Presidential Compacts aim to improve public health, end open defecation, and increase climate resiliency through the construction of vital water and sanitation infrastructure. These goals align with the specific targets under SDG 6.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
• Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water.

The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but the goals mentioned in the article, such as improving access to safe water and sanitation, align with these indicators. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards achieving the targets under SDG 6.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: unicef.org

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