The Strategic Framework is grounded in a core objective: to provide sustainable WASH service delivery both now and into the future. The emphasis is on climate resilient development, including strengthening the resilience of WASH systems, and on investments to manage current and long-term climate variability.
”Experiences from the work of our partners in Rwanda, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Peru and many other countries have demonstrated to us the urgent need to help poor people develop resilience to climate risks. We are delighted to work in partnership with UNICEF, merging our expertise on integrated water resources management and climate resilience with UNICEF’s expertise on WASH. This document deserves a wide readership to ensure climate-smart WASH services for a more water-secure world in the future,” says Alex Simalabwi, Global Coordinator for GWP’s Water, Climate and Development Programme (WACDEP).
The Framework is particularly relevant to those working with WASH service provision in areas vulnerable to climate hazards and variability.
”Achieving universal access to sustainable and safe water and sanitation in the post-2015 era is a human rights concern and is key to child survival and well-being,” says Sanjay Wijesekera, Chief of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, UNICEF. “This is the core of UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programming and cannot be achieved without due consideration of the risks posed by a changing climate and the resulting extreme events. Applying the Framework will help reduce the likelihood that girls, boys and families feel the effects of climate change; strengthen the reliability of WASH services; and strengthen the capacities of governments and communities to build resilience over time.”
To support the implementation of the Strategic Framework, a Guidance Note and a number of Technical Briefs were also developed. The briefs go into further detail on specific topics to support the implementation of the Framework.
UNICEF and GWP are continuing the collaboration with further knowledge development, capacity building and implementation of the Strategic Framework.