Author: SOPHEN

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.