Global South WASH Financing & Sustainability conference 2026

About The Conference The Global South Conference on WASH Financing & Sustainability 2026 will take place from April 1–3, 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal, under the theme “Financing the Future for Innovation, Climate Resiliency, and Equity.” This landmark event responds to a pressing global challenge: a $140 billion annual gap in financing for safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Countries …

Breaking the Flow of Plastic: Reflections from a Powerful Talk on Water Pollution

To mark World Environment Day 2025, the Society of Public Health Engineers Nepal (SOPHEN) and Water Forum Nepal (WAFON) jointly organized a talk program titled “Reducing and Eliminating Plastic Pollution in Water Environment.” Held on Sunday, June 8 2025 at Entrance Café, Chakupat, Lalitpur, the event brought together around 30 participants from government agencies, non-profits, and NGOs. With plastic pollution …

World Toilet Day 2024

SOPHEN Observes World Toilet Day 2024 in Nepal

The Society of Public Health Engineers Nepal (SOPHEN), in partnership with the Ministry of Water Supply (MoWS), successfully marked World Toilet Day 2024 on 19 November in Kathmandu. With the theme “Toilets – A Place for Peace”, the event focused on strengthening coordination and partnership for safely managed sanitation across Nepal.

The program brought together government leaders, WASH professionals, development partners, NGOs, private sector actors, and academia, creating a unique platform for dialogue. Key sessions highlighted Nepal’s ongoing sanitation challenges, including the need for inclusive and accessible public toilets, stronger wastewater management systems, and effective collaboration across the three tiers of government.

Technical presentations introduced the Public Toilet Procedure of Lalitpur Metropolitan City and the draft National Public Toilet Guideline, which emphasize inclusivity, universal design, and sustainability. A panel discussion with representatives from federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as utilities, further underlined the importance of policy alignment, community engagement, and resource sharing to achieve lasting progress.

World Toilet Day 2024 reaffirmed that safe sanitation is a human right and a cornerstone of dignity and health. SOPHEN remains committed to advancing SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for All by fostering partnerships, promoting innovation, and advocating for equitable access to sanitation services throughout Nepal.

Safe Drinking Water Act

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the principal federal law in the United States intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public. Pursuant to the act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set standards for drinking water quality and oversee all states, localities, and water suppliers who implement these standards. SDWA applies to every public water …

Empowering Nepal’s Wash Sector: SOPHEN’s Commitment to Clean Water and Sanitation

The Society of Public Health Engineers, Nepal (SOPHEN) is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to ensuring universal access to safe, affordable, and adequate drinking water and sanitation services. Established in 1990 and registered under the Social Welfare Act 2049 of the Government of Nepal, SOPHEN plays a vital role in strengthening the capacity of professionals in the Water, Sanitation, and …