Plenary-Human rights to water and sanitation-Leaving no one and no place behind

This plenary session, titled "Human rights to water and sanitation-Leaving no one and no place behind," is scheduled for October 27, 2025, in Nairobi as a hybrid event.

The core focus of the session is to exchange experiences and lessons on how national governments, local authorities, and water/sanitation operators are implementing the human rights to water and sanitation (recognized by UN Resolution 64/292).

Key Themes & Objectives
Frontline Role: The session will highlight the "critical frontline role" of local governments and water operators in delivering these essential services and making these human rights a reality.

Linked Human Rights: It will explore the connection between water/sanitation and other human rights, specifically the right to adequate housing (focusing on informal settlements) and the negative impacts of gender inequalities.

Sharing Practices: A major goal is to share best practices for benchmarking, monitoring, and communicating human rights-based approaches.

Identifying Needs: The discussion will also cover what institutional, financial, and policy support operators require to fulfill their human rights obligations.

Participants
Facilitator: Hezekiah Pireh

Key Panelists: The session features a high-level panel, including:

Mr. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo (UN Special Rapporteur on the right to water and sanitation)

Ms. Thembi Simelane (Acting Minister of Water and Sanitation, South Africa)

Mr. Retno L.P. Marsudi (UN Special Envoy on Water)

Representatives from United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Partners: The event is supported by GWOPA UN-Habitat, and Germany