New Delhi: In order to amplify the discussion about “open defecation” in India, a Roundtable Conference on Sanitation for achieving Nirmal Bharat was organised by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and UNICEF India today, bringing together representatives from the Government, multilateral agencies, grassroots organisations, technology institutions and citizens’ groups - especially young people.
“The roundtable, which is focused on possible innovative solutions to address access to sanitation, is also a moment of celebration on the achievements of UNICEF’s ‘Poo2Loo’ campaign that was launched in November 2013, and its role in putting this ‘taboo’ subject for public discourse. Success in achieving the goals in sanitation coverage requires not only continued government priority but also active involvement of all stakeholders including media,” stated IIT Delhi Professor Vijayaraghavan M Chariar.
UNICEF calls for US$2.2 billion to help 59 million children in emergencies
UNICEF's campaign 'Poo to the Loo': The New Youth Mantra against open defecation
Through this innovative campaign, more than 110,000 people (especially the young and digitally connected) have pledged their support to the cause by signing a petition addressed to the Hon’ble President of India. UNICEF has forged action-based partnerships with a wide range of organizations, including IIT and Symbiosis International University; NGOs such as Protsahan, WASH-United, PVR Nest and Right to Education Campaign; online platforms - Rocketalk, Halabol; and corporates - Archies, On Mobile and Domex.
In India, more than 620 million people do not use toilets. Although nearly 20 million people are starting to use toilets every year, the rate of adoption does not meet the demands essential to break the inter-generational habit that was taught to them as toddlers.
“Through the different campaign elements we have encouraged young people to confront this fact. The roundtable showcases possible innovative solutions for India to end open defecation. It clearly links the priority to achieve national sanitation gaols with the need for innovation and creativity. It is time for everyone to be part of a national voice for change in support of communities and households; we are all affected by the prevalence of open defecation – whether we have a toilet or not. UNICEF’s initiative is one way to bring poo to the attention of everyone –it silently bombards our lives. Its tie to collectively say ‘no more in India,’’ said Sue Coates, Chief, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), UNICEF India.
“The roundtable, which is focused on possible innovative solutions to address access to sanitation, is also a moment of celebration on the achievements of UNICEF’s ‘Poo2Loo’ campaign that was launched in November 2013, and its role in putting this ‘taboo’ subject for public discourse. Success in achieving the goals in sanitation coverage requires not only continued government priority but also active involvement of all stakeholders including media,” stated IIT Delhi Professor Vijayaraghavan M Chariar.
UNICEF calls for US$2.2 billion to help 59 million children in emergencies
UNICEF's campaign 'Poo to the Loo': The New Youth Mantra against open defecation
In India, more than 620 million people do not use toilets. Although nearly 20 million people are starting to use toilets every year, the rate of adoption does not meet the demands essential to break the inter-generational habit that was taught to them as toddlers.
“Through the different campaign elements we have encouraged young people to confront this fact. The roundtable showcases possible innovative solutions for India to end open defecation. It clearly links the priority to achieve national sanitation gaols with the need for innovation and creativity. It is time for everyone to be part of a national voice for change in support of communities and households; we are all affected by the prevalence of open defecation – whether we have a toilet or not. UNICEF’s initiative is one way to bring poo to the attention of everyone –it silently bombards our lives. Its tie to collectively say ‘no more in India,’’ said Sue Coates, Chief, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), UNICEF India.
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