“Flowing Forward”: Ensuring Water for All - Sustainable Access to Clean Water & Sanitation in Africa

While clean water and basic sanitation are essential for human dignity and development, many African countries still struggle to provide access to these basic necessities for their populations. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, but significant challenges remain. Waterborne diseases, inadequate sanitation facilities, and water scarcity disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, hindering public health, education, and socio-economic progress.

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of Africans, especially those in rural and marginalized areas, lack this basic necessity. Water scarcity exacerbates the situation, threatening livelihoods and exacerbating conflicts over limited resources. Poor sanitation facilities lead to open defecation, contaminating water sources and increasing the prevalence of waterborne diseases, which disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations.

The lack of clean water and sanitation impedes progress towards several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to poverty, health, education, and gender equality. Girls often miss school due to the absence of safe sanitation facilities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and gender inequality.

Addressing these challenges requires immediate and collective action from all AU member states. By promoting water infrastructure development, sustainable water resource management, and effective governance structures, countries can make strides towards achieving SDG 6. Additionally, public awareness campaigns, hygiene education, and community involvement are vital components of fostering behavior change and ensuring the sustainability of water and sanitation initiatives.

In this committee, delegates will collaboratively explore innovative policies, regional cooperation, and partnerships to address these pressing challenges and strive towards a sustainable future where every African citizen has access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Through constructive dialogue and cooperation, we can foster tangible solutions to alleviate the water crisis in Africa and secure a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.