Concept

           According to the United Nations, clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in and there is sufficient fresh water on the planet to achieve this. However, due to bad economics or poor infrastructure, millions of people including children die every year from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. Water scarcity, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices and educational opportunities for poor families across the world. To improve water, sanitation and hygiene, there needs to be increased investment in management of freshwater ecosystems and sanitation facilities on a local level.  On the other hand, frequent and proper handwashing is the most basic frontline defense against the spread of COVID-19. According to IFC, a quarter of the world’s population lacks access to a reliable water supply—a far cry from the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goal 6—Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. The pandemic has heightened awareness of both the extent and consequences of this access gap, and it could slow down progress in meeting the SDG 6 development goal as revenue losses by water utilities affect their ability to make critical capital investments.

~ EAWATERS 2020

This year's summit will be held online and via limited in-person gathering. It will bring together the leading figures in the public sector, private sector, finance, non-governmental organizations and other players for three days under the theme "Accelerating the Achievement of Sustainable Water and Sanitation for all in the Face of the Pandemic" with the pillars of POLICY, TECHNOLOGY and FINANCE.