Day 9: The Goal 6 «Clean water and sanitation» covered on the SDGs consultations

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Ministry of Communal Service of Turkmenistan gathered today at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consultation for the Goal 6 «Ensure access for water and sanitation for all» discussion. The goal includes the following background,

«Water scarcity affects more than 40 percent of people around the world, an alarming figure that is projected to increase with the rise of global temperatures as a consequence of climate change. Although 2.1 billion people have gained access to improved water sanitation since 1990, dwindling supplies of safe drinking water is a major problem impacting every continent.

In 2011, 41 countries experienced water stress; ten of them are close to depleting their supply of renewable freshwater and must now rely on non-conventional sources. Increasing drought and desertification is already exacerbating these trends. By 2050, it is projected that at least one in four people are likely to be affected by recurring water shortages.» [1]

Representatives of about 10 national ministries and agencies discussed the proposed eight targets to the Goal 6 and their relevance to Turkmenistan. Participants of today's consultation agreed to adopt all eight global targets as is. Eight of 11 indicators were accepted without modification. One was adjusted to the local context and two require further clarification.

The consultation has covered such aspects as safe supply of drinking water and sanitation in the cities and rural areas. The discussion of the relevant indicators noted that Turkmenistan has already been undertaking a number of national programs to increase the access to quality drinking water and sanitation and enhance the effectiveness of the water management sector in the country.