African ministers of water, sanitation, environment, climate and finance are set to meet in Spain, Madrid this week to spur regional action to tackle water insecurity and accelerate safely managed sanitation across Africa, APA can report over the weekend.
The meeting to be jointly convened by the government of Spain, UNICEF, and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership will be held under the theme “Breaking Silos: Uniting Political Leadership to Integrate Water, Sanitation and Climate Action.”
The meeting, which would bring together ministers and officials from more than 60 countries, will also discuss possible climate actions to address Africa’s growing vulnerability to climate change, according to a statement issued by Sanitation and Water for All (SWA).
WHO/UNICEF in a latest joint monitoring program revealed that nearly 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to safe drinking water, while more than 700 million do not have access to safely managed sanitation.
Climate change is intensifying existing vulnerabilities — from prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to flooding in the Sahel and water shortages in Southern Africa, it said.
“The meeting will discuss global promises that are matched with on-the-ground action,” Acting Chief of SWA Muyatwa Sitali was quoted as saying , noting that Africa’s role will be essential in driving lasting solutions.
The meeting is expected to allow African leaders to exchange experiences, deepen south-south collaboration, and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)- ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
MG/APA