The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) commits to increasing access to water and sanitation services for low-income and vulnerable groups in the pan-European region. UNECE will undertake this work by supporting assessments of water access equity and by supporting the development of national action plans. To begin this work, the UNECE will publish a framework document “UNECE-WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health.” In the framework, the UNECE will give priority attention to equity aspects in policymaking processes related to the provision of water and sanitation services. The framework will contribute to the development of baseline studies on the situation of equitable access to water and sanitation. It will inform the development of national water policies and actions for improvement. The framework will also strengthen country capacities in addressing challenges and adopting possible solutions to ensure equitable access in the pan-European region. The commitment will help reduce social and economic inequalities, create positive health impacts and educational outcomes and contribute to poverty reduction.
The “Growth in Transition” initiative brings together transformation activists and decision makers from politics, science, the economy and civil society and promotes dialogue and exchange on growth, prosperity and quality of life. It provides an international platform for addressing questions of growth and an alternative, sustainable economy. The initiative is jointly organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW) and 25 partner organisations.
The aim of the commitment is to suggest concrete political and administrative measures that tackle key questions around how we should grow and how we can achieve a good life for all in light of numerous crises.
The commitment is relevant to SDGs 8.4, 8.2 and 9.4.