More than 350 participants from 57 countries gathered last week in Jakarta for the opening of the Sector Ministers’ Meeting (SMM), which will generate urgent prioritization of water and sanitation worldwide.  

Among them were 50 ministers of water, sanitation, health, environment and the economy, who met to discuss the climate crisis and a struggling global economy, which have threatened decades of progress on sustainable development.

The event was hosted by the Government of Indonesia and convened by the United Nations-hosted Sanitation and Water for All global partnership (SWA) and UNICEF.

Opening the event, Chair of SWA’s Steering Committee, Patrick,  told participants that this triple crisis is deeply intertwined with water and sanitation, making government prioritization of these issues vital.  

“Water and sanitation are indispensable for preventing public health emergencies. According to event organizers, access to water and soap will generate $45 billion per year, and reduce the spread of infections by up to 20 per cent.

 The Director of UNICEF said “Water and sanitation are the foundation of all sustainable development – and key to helping children survive and thrive”.

The SMM will equip political leaders with the evidence and best practices they need to prioritize investments in water and sanitation, which in turn will support the Sustainable Development Goals.

It also aims to transform inter-ministerial collaboration at the national level around the human rights to water and sanitation, as well as international learning and cooperation.