International Water Association Partners with CEPT University to Strengthen Water and Sanitation Solutions in South Asia

The International Water Association and the Center for Water and Sanitation, CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), and CEPT University signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aimed at fostering cooperation in water management and sanitation. The memorandum was signed on 25 September 2024 at CEPT University, believing that both have faith in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: access to clean water and sanitation for all. Two senior representatives will sign the MoU: the Executive Director of IWA, Dr. Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy, and the Vice Chairperson of CRDF at CEPT University, Mr. Suren Vakil. The ceremony will be graced by various academic and program leaders from CEPT University, an important milestone in the promotion of water and sanitation initiatives across the region. The organizations will collaborate on research, education, and capacity-building efforts on WASH, climate issues, and inclusive development. Strategic Objectives and Scope of Collaboration This cooperation aims to intensify coordination between IWA and CWAS in some key strategic domains, such as joint research, knowledge exchange, and event organization around water and sanitation. Both institutions are well-positioned to leverage their skills in creating solutions that will be sustainable in terms of water management in urban contexts and sanitation service provision, as well as climate adaptation strategies involving communities. What is unique about this partnership is that CWAS is an already established member of the Task Force of IWA on Inclusive Urban Sanitation. CWAS has laid an excellent foundation in action research, implementation support, and advocacy for improved water and sanitation services, especially within the country. The partnership will therefore be in a position to propel this center further as it becomes part of the global network of water management, filling the gaps between local and international best practices in this sector. Students at CEPT University are going to engage in several programs through this collaboration, thus enabling them to gain experience in both local and international water and sanitation management. Benefits of the Partnership The collaboration of IWA and CEPT University is very likely to bring in many mutual benefits. In the case of IWA, it is an excellent opportunity to increase its visibility and influence across South Asia, or more precisely across India. However, for CWAS at CEPT University, greater access will be available to global expertise and knowledge to strengthen their programs and initiatives on water and sanitation services. This MoU will unlock joint publications and technical reports on WASH, climate change, and urban sanitation issues. Also, through the sharing of ideas and resources between the two institutions, this partnership is expected to promote scalable solutions that have the potential to be applied in many different regions of the world, especially in regions with problems related to water. About the Institutions Involved CWAS, at CRDF, CEPT University, is heavily into multidisciplinary research along with advisory services to support governments in effectively delivering equitable and efficient water and sanitation services. CWAS proactively works with all tiers of government bodies to better enhance service delivery across cities and the countryside. IWA is spearheading the world's greatest water-related issues. The global network of water professionals advocates for sustainable solutions for water management and innovation between regions to ensure that communities have clean and safe water. Conclusion Signing an MoU with IWA and CWAS would mark an important step in the achievement of both organizations' shared mission for the improvement of water and sanitation systems. Through resource pooling, combined knowledge, and shared networks, both organizations will effectively strengthen the capacity to address the water challenges of the future and have more resilient and sustainable solutions implemented in South Asia. This strategic partnership is aligned with the push across the globe to meet SDG 6 and underscores the need for cooperation to respond to the very key water issues in the world. Source: PTI