Gathering in Bonn to Discuss a Vital Nexus

Tell us a little bit about the GTO?

The GTO, a non-governmental organisation based in Berlin, was established in 2005 in response the urgent need to address the global tragic truth that 40% of the world’s population had inadequate or no access to sanitation infrastructure. Since then, it has undertaken public awareness initiatives, political dialogue and advocacy to inform sector policies and has sought to strengthen cooperation and technical exchange between German, international development and humanitarian relief actors. Backed by high commitment of the German Government and sector stakeholders, the GTO has developed capacity building programmes designed not only to improve technical expertise but also to link associated disciplines, such as nutrition, to facilitate stronger synergies and enhance the impacts of both sectors.

Why is the GTO interested in nutrition?

It is widely recognised and scientific evidence has found that inadequate sanitation infrastructure and hygiene practices are associated with childhood undernutrition, specifically stunting, wasting and high mortality rates amongst children under the age of five. As a founding member of the German WASH Network – an affiliation of 19 German NGOs established in 2011 to strengthen the WASH sector in Germany – the GTO has consistently drawn attention to the WASH-nutrition nexus and to further foster intersectoral understanding and exchange. Earlier this year, in collaboration with SHARE and others, we convened a WASH in Nutrition event at Stockholm World Water Week 2015 and next week, as a member of the German WASH Network, we are holding an international conference on the nexus between WASH and nutrition security in Bonn.

What is the aim of the Bonn WASH Nutrition Forum?

Recognising that overcoming malnutrition will require true collaboration between the WASH and nutrition sectors, the Bonn WASH Nutrition Forum will bring together relevant experts from both sectors to identify opportunities and define a strategic way forward for strengthening collaboration. The aim is to come up with a concrete set of recommendations, next steps and commitments (viable operational approaches, research, policy and advocacy) that will lead to a more integrated approach for tackling undernutrition and stunting. By offering an international platform for such discussions and through invitation of selected guest speakers, it is hoped that the Forum will contribute to the necessary paradigm shift.

What will the Forum involve?

The Forum will comprise of Mirror Sessions and Expert Inspire Discussions:

Mirror Sessions – during these sessions representatives from both sectors will present their work/perspectives on how intersectoral collaboration could be strengthened and optimised. Hearing about the other sector allows for reflection of one’s own work (hence “mirror”) and, during workshops, will inspire further discussion on complementarity and collaboration between the sectors and the identification of joint indicators.

• On day 1 these sessions will cover the core themes of: global monitoring, global partnerships, and global humanitarian clusters. The workshops will centre on the links between global goals, knowledge and research demand, potential sector collaboration and linking humanitarian efforts.
• On day 2 these sessions will be based on a case study of South Sudan, videoed inputs from the Special Rapporteurs for the Human Right to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Human Right to Food, and perspectives from donors and global civil society coalitions from both sectors. The workshops will cover the needed sectoral framework including: policies, monitoring and funding.

Expert Inspire Discussions – renowned speakers will inspire outcome-oriented discussion, hereby helping the participants to: assess the latest scientific evidence, define strategies and operational solutions, and develop strategies to integrate the nexus into development and humanitarian policies.

Why now?

With World Toilet Day just around the corner and its theme being ‘Toilets and Nutrition’, this Forum could not be timelier. As such, we are confident that the Forum will contribute to ongoing thematic discussions and are delighted that Dr. Uschi Eid, Chair of the United Nations Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation, will be chairing the Forum.

Any last comments?

If you’re coming to Bonn, why not:

• Visit this SuSanA forum where you can raise issues and questions of interest prior to the Forum and find all the latest publications on WASH and Nutrition
• Check out this SuSanA forum where you can engage with a broader WASH-nutrition discussion
• Read this WASH and Nutrition briefing note and factsheet
• Consider joining the SuSanA WASH and Nutrition Working Group

We look forward to seeing you soon!