Background paper on the subtheme “Clean water and sanitation”

Abstract

Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene and the management of water resources are essential to human health, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. In recognition of this, Sustainable Development Goal 6, on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, was endorsed by the General Assembly in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Goal 6 consists of six targets and nine major indicators, in which drinking water, sanitation and hygiene take center stage. The present paper has been written to provide participants in the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development with background information on Goal 6 in the context of Africa. Regional Forum participants will discuss the status of water management and use, in particular progress towards achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation. They will also deliberate on existing national monitoring and reporting systems with a view to devising options for harmonization. It is expected that Regional Forum participants will prepare a regional report that sets out recommendations and key messages for discussion at the high-level political forum on sustainable development in New York.