The South and South-East Asia City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Forum successfully convened at Bandung, Indonesia on January 13-14, 2025. UCLG ASPAC organized the event in partnership with the Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS) at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). The event aimed to enhance regional cooperation, share innovative solutions and strengthen the capacity of local governments to advance safe and inclusive sanitation practices.
The forum, supported by the Municipalities Network Advocacy on Sanitation in South Asia (MuNASS) program and funded by the Gates Foundation, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of local governments and associations in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and beyond to implement inclusive sanitation practices. Delegates from the Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB) and ITN-BUET represented the country in the forum.
A key highlight of the forum was the session on CWIS capacity-building Hub and its contribution to the “Regional Cooperation for Sanitation – A Way Forward to Accelerate the Kathmandu Declaration 2023”. The presentation was led by Mr. Alauddin Ahmed, Project Manager at ITN-BUET that underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving regional sanitation goals. He also showcased ITN-BUET’s significant contributions as regional CWIS Capacity-Building Hub, highlighting its achievements and roles. Besides, ITN-BUET provided technical support in finalizing the Bandung Declaration.
The forum concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, emphasizing the responsibility to reduce pollution and contribute to environmental sanitation. This event reinforced the role of partnerships in advancing sanitation goals and creating a healthier, more inclusive future for communities across South and South East Asia.
