Dear all,

We would like to remind you that our next thematic discussion entitled “Sustainable Development Goals: Enough to end the sanitation crisis? ” starts TOMORROW .

Running from September 1 to September 14, the discussion, led by experts from the sector, will explore the question whether the new SDG indicators on sanitation address the gaps left by the MDGs and what the SDGs can do differently to ensure that those most in need have their human right to water and sanitation met.

Divided into four subthemes, the discussion will address SDG indicators, civil society’s role in monitoring, safe versus basic sanitation as well as the question of how to prioritise those most in need.

To view the discussion and post, please visit:
forum.susana.org/forum/categories/199-th...he-sanitation-crisis

To view the detailed announcement with further information on the subthemes and the discussion leads, please go to: forum.susana.org/forum/categories/199-th...ana-explore-the-sdgs

Finally, we have also provided some background readings, which you can access here:
forum.susana.org/forum/categories/199-th...-background-readings

We are very much looking forward to your contributions on the topic!

Best,
Katrin

Thematic discussion: Sustainable Development Goals - enough to end the sanitation crisis?

The MDGs did not succeed in ensuring everyone has access to safe sanitation- will the new SDG indicators on sanitation increase progress to ensure that everyone has their right to water and sanitation realised?

The Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA), in partnership with End Water Poverty, is holding a 2 week thematic discussion on exploring whether the new SDG indicators on sanitation will address the gaps left by the MDGs and what the SDGs can do differently to ensure those most in need have their human right to water and sanitation realised.

Despite 15 years of action on the MDGs, the target for sanitation has still not been met. At least 2,3 billion people – one in three people globally – lack access to an improved sanitation facility. Many more lack access to sanitation that is culturally acceptable or affordable. An estimated 1 billion people are still forced to defecate in the open. Soon the SDGs will be adopted, setting a new development agenda for the next 15 years of development. Join our discussion which will explore what worked, and what didn't in the MDG process, and how we can make sure that the SDGs do things differently, so as to prevent the same mistakes of the past. We will also explore how the SDGs will prioritise those most in need, and how civil society will monitor progress to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised are met.

Join our discussion in September!

Running for two weeks from Tuesday 1 September to Monday 14 September on the SuSanA online discussion forum, the discussion will look at a number of key issues relating to sanitation in the SDGs and within the post-2015 development agenda.

Join us to post your questions, debate with lead experts in the field, and provide your insights and knowledge on the following issues:
• Theme I – SDG indicators: The MDGs did not succeed in ensuring everyone has access to safe sanitation – will the new SDG indicators on sanitation increase progress to ensure that everyone has their right to water and sanitation realised?
• Theme 2 – Prioritising those most in need: How do we ensure that the SDGs prioritise, and monitor progress, for those most in need of safe sanitation? How do we ensure that they realise the human right to water and sanitation?
• Theme 3 – Civil society’s role in monitoring: How can civil society contribute to the monitoring of the goals and targets? What will our role need to be to ensure improvements for all?
• Theme 4 – Safe versus basic sanitation: What is the difference between ‘basic’ and ‘safe’ sanitation? Why is this important? How do we ensure that we reach those most in need?

Leading the discussions, experts from the sector participating include amongst others:
• Ramisetty Murali, Convenor: Freshwater Action Network- South Asia (FANSA)
• Louisa Gosling, Programme Manager for Principles: WaterAid
• Graham Alabaster, Programme Manager: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
• Rose Osinde Alabaster, Operations Desk Officer: WaterLex
• Eddy Perez, Center for Global Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene at Emory University
• Tim Brewer, Policy Analyst: WaterAid
• Martin Gambrill, Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist, Water and Sanitation Program, World Bank
• Hanna Woodburn, Global Public Private Partnership for Handwashing

On the Forum, regular summaries of the discussion will be posted. A summary report of each topic, along with an overview synthesis of all issues from the discussion, will be available in late September on the End Water Poverty and SuSanA Forum websites.

To participate in the discussion please register for SuSanA (if you are not yet a SuSanA member).

Please do share the news and encourage your networks to participate!

If you have any questions, please post on the forum itself, or contact us directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We look forward to hearing your contributions on this upcoming discussion!
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