Global Restroom Movement Gains Momentum With 2nd World Toilet Expo and Forum
Political will necessary to accelerate improvements in sanitation for the world’s population
13 December 2006 - Singapore and Bangkok – The toilet movement around the world is gathering momentum if the response to the 2nd World Toilet Expo and Forum is anything to go by, according to its organisers, the World Toilet Organization (WTO).
Hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), the event was held in Bangkok from 16 to 18 November 2006. Hailed as a success, it drew over 850 delegates to the Forum, while some 9,000 visitors attended the Expo, eager to learn more about innovative solutions to meet one of the most basic human needs.
There was a lot of buzz created, remarked Jack Sim, WTO Founder. “We are able to put toilet issues firmly on the global spotlight and have organisations like the United Nations, World Bank, governments, NGOs and private enterprises look into the concerns in a holistic manner.
“We were appreciative to receive strong media coverage from international news agencies, regional broadcasters and local newspapers. I was informed that about 231 media representatives attended the event. The high media interest level can only mean one thing. Now, the world will really sit up and not ignore the toilet and sanitation issues.”
Forum speakers urged governments to do more to tackle toilet and hygiene issues, and the broader sanitation aspects, as these have grave implications on the countries’ physical, social and economic health. They opined that a barrier to sustainable sanitation is the lack of political will.
Isabel Blackett from the Water and Sanitation Program – East Asia and the Pacific, said: “One factor that can be identified in countries that are making progress on improving sanitation is leadership and political will,” adding that sanitation “must sit along side education, healthcare, water supply, economic development – so that coherent approaches are developed”.
Echoing their concern, keynote speaker Dr Uschi Eid denounced “the lack of readiness” to address these issues because “they aren’t considered to be prestigious but, quite to the contrary, burdened with taboos”.
Representing the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation as Acting Chair, she outlined the action plan to be adopted and warned that “the majority of the Millennium Development Goals cannot be reached if the worldwide sanitation situation does not decisively improve the dissemination of sustainable solutions”.
Many of the speakers and participants called for urgent action, warning that the MDG’s 2015 target of 75 percent access to basic sanitation will be missed by more than half a billion people unless progress is accelerated.
Eco-sanitation is one innovative solution being explored by many countries. This topic was covered by Forum speaker Christine Werner of GTZ GmbH in her paper, Closing the Loop through Ecological Sanitation. She explained: “There is a need to develop cost and resource efficient sustainable sanitation systems, that can be provided at a high enough rate to make the MDGs achievable.“
A total of 26 papers on ecological sanitation, health, accessibility and safety issues were presented at the Forum. Featuring a distinguished panel of speakers from 11 countries, the meeting drew an international audience from 30 countries, including 10 delegations from Asia.
Forum delegates and speakers were full of praise for the event as it was able to galvanise a big turnout of high level officials, decision-makers and academics to share expertise and experiences on various aspects of public toilets and hygiene.
“It was an excellent conference in every way - well-chosen speakers, conference themes, together with a good range of topics,” enthused Prof Kathryn H. Anthony, PhD, Member, Board of Directors, American Restroom Association, and School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
While most to the participants are happy with the rich content and vast networking opportunities at the Forum, they were disappointed that many of the solutions discussed at the meeting were not showcased at the Expo.
Chong Ted Tsiung, Mayor, Kuching City South Council, Sarawak, Malaysia, commented: “The Forum had exposed us to the latest development and underlying principles in toilet and sanitation facilities provision. We were particularly impressed that the eco-sanitation concept was discussed in detail. We strongly believe that the concept, if widely adopted and adapted, can definitely help us to achieve the Millennium Development Goal in a shorter period of time.
“The Expo opened our eyes on the various technologies and trends in toilet products. However, we were disappointed on the limited solutions offered. It would be more beneficial if there were more manufacturers taking part in the showcase."
Agreeing that the Expo could have offered more concrete solutions from the toilet and sanitation solution providers, Sylvia Phua, Chief Executive Officer of MP Asia, the co-organiser said: “The idea of a dedicated sanitation or toilet solutions showcase will take some time to take root. Now with demand coming from the lobbyists and users groups, manufacturers and service providers will certainly see the value of the platform.”
“We are confident that future Expos will grow in stature and size, in tandem with the Forum. While we regret that commercial organisations were not quick enough to leverage on the presence of the critical mass of buyers and influencers attending the event, we salute the industry leaders that had the foresight to be part of this ground-breaking effort. “
The 2006 Expo drew the participation of over 50 participants, including American Standard, COTTO, TOTO, Kimberly Clark, Pacific Waste Management Technology, Property Care Services, Jet As, Mitsubishi Electric Kang Yong Wattana, PooKoo and Rentokil Initial. Among the more interesting exhibits were waterless urinal system, toilets that use air for waste transport, toilets for users with special needs and sanitary bins that seal disposed sanitary napkins.
There is also a thematic display by the Thai Ministry of Public Health at the Expo to inculcate the important role that the community and the individual could play in maintaining good hygiene standards and clean toilets.
The 2nd World Toilet Expo and Forum was officiated by Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla, Minister of Public Health, Thailand. It was co-hosted by the National Health Association of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Faculty of Public Health, Population and Community Development Association, and Thailand Environment Institute. It was supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and 55 WTO member associations from 41 countries.
Upcoming shows in 2007 by WTO include the World Toilet Summit, New Delhi, India from 1 to 4 November and the 3rd World Toilet Expo & Forum, Shanghai, China, from 12 to 14 September. Please visit www.worldtoiletexpo.com or email Eileen Ng, eileenng@mpinetwork,com for more information.
-ENDS-
Note to Editor: Forum papers and speaker details are available from the event website or by request.
Issued by World Toilet Organization & MP Asia Pte Ltd. For more information, please contact:
Daphne Poon
Marketing Communications Director
Tel: (65) 6393 0238
Fax: (65) 6296 2670
Email: daphnepoon@mpinetwork.com
Website: www.worldtoiletexpo.com
