Despite significant global progress in sanitation, over one billion people across Asia and the Pacific still lack access to safely managed sanitation services. Addressing this pressing issue was the focus of the 2025 Global South Academic Conclave on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate, which took place in Ahmedabad, India from February 21 to 23. The event brought together more than 650 experts from over 30 countries and at least 250 organizations.
The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) participated in the conclave as part of its ongoing efforts to improve sanitation across Asia and the Pacific. The institute hosted a panel session dedicated to exploring the critical role of governance, regulation, and financial accountability in achieving sustainable sanitation solutions.
During the session, panelists emphasized that governance challenges—not just financial constraints—are key barriers to progress in sanitation. They urged stronger public-private partnerships to institutionalize accountability mechanisms and ensure the long-term sustainability of sanitation services.
Patrick Ty, Chief Regulator of Manila’s Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, shared insights from Metro Manila’s water privatization efforts. He highlighted how the city’s concession agreements help ensure regulatory compliance and maintain financial sustainability. Aasim Mansuri from the Center for Water and Sanitation at CEPT University in Maharashtra presented examples of how performance assessments, budget transparency, and digital monitoring are being leveraged to strengthen local sanitation services. Meanwhile, Piyush Tiwari of the University of Melbourne explored the importance of financial accountability in sanitation projects. He underscored the potential of pooled financing, municipal bonds, and fiscal safeguards in supporting infrastructure investments.
The discussions also delved into challenges surrounding the affordability of sanitation services versus cost recovery through tariffs. Panelists noted the impact of fragmented administrative structures at the local government level and the resulting financial gaps. They called for performance-based incentives, structured oversight, and robust regulatory frameworks to mitigate financial risks and ensure effective service delivery. The need for strengthened financial safeguards and greater digital monitoring was also a recurring theme throughout the session.
In conclusion, the experts highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts across governance, finance, and regulation to address Asia’s sanitation crisis, advocating for comprehensive solutions that are both financially sustainable and equitable.
Related Topics:
Insignia Financial Narrows HY Loss Amid Takeover Battle
