The Protocol on Water and Health, jointly supported by WHO/Europe and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), is the prime European policy platform aimed at attaining safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation for everyone, through sustainable management of water resources.
Over the past 20 years, the Protocol has supported significant progress in water, sanitation and health in the pan-European region thanks to its governance mechanism. It is a powerful tool towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6, among others, the 2017 Ostrava Declaration on Environment and Health, and the WHO European Programme of Work 2020–2025 at national and regional levels by promoting integration of policies and a holistic and preventive approach to water, sanitation and health.
The sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP6) to the Protocol on Water and Health will assess existing and emerging water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) realities and challenges in the Region and set a new agenda of regional priorities in response to global crises, such as climate change and COVID-19. A high-level session on climate change and COVID-19 will be organized during the MOP6 to review actions and lessons learned in ensuring safe water and sanitation and adequate hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion will contribute to driving forward leadership and progress in strengthening preparedness and response to future emergencies based on experience and good practice. The session will also focus on how to tackle the persisting gaps and challenges caused by climate change in the region and advocate for stronger integration of WASH and health aspects into national climate change response and adaptation strategies and actions. The main outcomes of the session will be presented to the United Nations 2023 Water Conference and the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health.
Representatives from countries and organizations will review achievements, exchange best practices, reflect on challenges and identify future priorities and activities to be implemented under the Protocol in 2023–2025.