According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the efforts made in the last decade towards improving sanitation have averted the deaths of 3 lakh children under the age of five. Moreover, India’s focus on community engagement, behavior change, and leveraging technology provides a replicable model for other countries facing similar challenges.
The India Pavilion at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos hosted a global discussion titled “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” This high-profile session showcased India’s transformative achievements in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and emphasized their critical role in global climate resilience and sustainable development.
Showcasing India’s Leadership in WASH Innovation
The World Economic Forum provided a platform for the ministry to showcase India’s groundbreaking initiatives in WASH innovation and climate resilience, emphasizing efforts to promote equitable and inclusive access to WASH services.
The Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission have demonstrated the effectiveness of large-scale, government-led initiatives in improving sanitation and water access. During his address, Shri C.R. Patil highlighted:
“Through the focus on sanitation, the scheme has not only empowered women but also ensured their safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the efforts made in the last decade towards improving sanitation have averted the deaths of 3 lakh children under the age of five.”
Moreover, India’s focus on community engagement, behavior change, and leveraging technology provides a replicable model for other countries facing similar challenges.
Global Discourse on Water and Sanitation
Following the keynote address, two insightful panel discussions took place:
1. Water Panel: Bringing Global Impact in Water Sustainability
This session featured distinguished global experts from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), UNICEF, and WaterAid. Discussions revolved around innovative approaches and strategies for advancing global water sustainability, including groundwater recharge, decentralized water management, and smart monitoring technologies.
2. Sanitation Panel: Innovation in Global Health Through Sanitation
This panel featured esteemed participants from the Gates Foundation, Riseberg Ventures, BCHAR, Capgemini, and actor and policy advocate Shri Vivek Oberoi. The discussion highlighted groundbreaking innovations in sanitation and their impact on global health, disease prevention, and economic development.
India’s Global Leadership in Sustainable Water Management
India’s scalable models for sustainable water management, climate-resilient practices, and public-private collaborations have placed it at the forefront of global WASH efforts. Key achievements include:
- Elimination of Open Defecation: Over 95 million toilets constructed under SBM, leading to 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in rural India.
- Household Tap Water Connections: Increase from 17% in 2019 to 79.66% in 2025 under JJM.
- Health and Productivity Gains: Over 55 million hours saved daily in rural India due to accessible water, leading to improved health, education, and workforce participation.
These efforts have transformed lives by improving health, education access, and economic opportunities through enhanced hygiene and sanitation. This aligns with the broader goals of the World Economic Forum (WEF) to foster collaborative solutions for climate action and water sustainability.
Viksit Bharat 2047: The Role of WASH in India’s Development
India’s leadership in WASH innovations significantly contributes to its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, an ambitious goal to make India a developed nation by its 100th year of independence. The impact of WASH initiatives on public health, gender empowerment, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability ensures a stronger and more resilient India.
By achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), India’s approach serves as a model for the world. Tackling the global water crisis, which threatens health, food security, economic growth, and biodiversity, requires collaborative action, and India’s experience offers valuable insights to strengthen global WASH strategies.
The session concluded with actionable insights and participant commitments, reaffirming India’s global leadership in advancing water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development, ensuring that WASH remains a cornerstone in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
