The Global South WASH Financing & Sustainability Conference 2026 was held from 1–3 April 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal, bringing together global experts, policymakers and practitioners to advance dialogue on sustainable WASH financing in the Global South. The conference provided a key platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration on strengthening sustainable sanitation systems, with a particular focus on bridging infrastructure investments and long-term service delivery outcomes.
ITN-BUET actively engaged in the conference through technical knowledge sharing and evidence-based research presentations, reinforcing its growing role in advancing sanitation sustainability in Bangladesh and beyond.
Mr. Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager, ITN-BUET, presented findings from a research study titled “Securing Financial Sustainability of Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants Beyond Infrastructural Investment: Evidence from 26 Municipalities in Bangladesh.” The presentation highlighted that despite significant investments in Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs), many facilities continue to face challenges related to low utilization, high operational costs and weak financial sustainability. The study identified an optimal sludge loading rate that can improve cost recovery and enhance municipal financial performance. However, findings also revealed persistent OPEX deficits, limited revenue recovery, and underperforming systems across municipalities, raising concerns over long-term operational viability without stronger financial and institutional reforms.
During the technical discussion, participants raised questions on integrating equity considerations in service delivery alongside revenue generation. In response, Mr. Ahmed emphasized that pro-poor and equitable tariff structures for desludging services are essential to ensure both financial sustainability and inclusive access to sanitation services.
In addition, under the FSM Network platform, ITN-BUET contributed to a case study titled “How can South Asia Regional countries maximize infrastructure investments in FSM services? Lessons from Bangladesh.” The session highlighted the persistent gap between strong national sanitation policies and their implementation at the field level, underscoring the need for more effective and sustainable service delivery systems.
The engagement at the conference further strengthened knowledge exchange and regional collaboration, while reaffirming ITN-BUET’s commitment to advancing resilient, inclusive, and financially sustainable sanitation systems in Bangladesh and across the Global South.
