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"It is all too easy, in a time of crisis, for the elements of
good governance to fall by the wayside, or, indeed, for the crisis to
be used by those with particular vested interests to force through
changes, not necessarily for the long-term good of the people."
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Photo by Mahbubur Rahman - Winner Second Place, WIN photo competition 2020
Mirpur refugee settlement in Bangladesh.
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In the face of the global Covid-19 pandemic, governments and healthcare providers are urging everyone to wash their hands frequently. But in one in four households, there is no soap and water. In one in four healthcare facilities, there is no soap and water. What then?
People across the globe are being denied their human rights to water and sanitation. Covid-19 is shining a spotlight on the stark realities these people face. Corruption and poor integrity are contributing to this situation and can only make matters worse.
In times of crisis like these, integrity matters more than ever, especially in the water sector.
Here's why, and what to do about it:
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And more in this issue:
- The latest: WIN statement in support of Black Lives Matter, call for blogs, ...
- Network updates: #GlobalCall4Action, #WaterOpenGov newsletter, ...
- Upcoming events: this week, 2 webinars!
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Racism and injustice breed inequalities to access to water and sanitation. We are committed to exposing and fighting against the ways in which Black communities and communities of colour – particularly in the Global South – bear the brunt of climate change induced environmental disasters and the corrupt forces which contribute to inadequate water and sanitation provision. Read full statement
Call for blogs
We know many of our partners have had their way of working upended by Covid-19. We're calling for blogs from partners and water organisations keen to share how they are adapting and what integrity means to them in this new context. Get in touch here.
This guest post by Cartocritica from Mexico for the #WaterOpenGov community of practice describes the troubled history of early commitments to open water resource data. It also sheds light on Mexico's latest Open Government National Action Plan, which includes a commitment to use the newly developed Natural Resources Transparency Index. Read full post.
In a webinar conversation in May with utility managers and integrity management coaches and facilitators, we talked about the value of a practical approach to assess and address integrity risks in organisations. Participants discussed the challenges of bringing up corruption and of keeping track of risks where corruption is systemic. Here are our notes and the full recording.
WIN annual report 2019
Our latest full annual report is available for download here.
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#GlobalCall4Water
Water and sanitation are the first line of action to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We need to ensure the commitments and resources follow. With support from Sanitation and Water for All, heads of State, government, and leaders from United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, civil society, private sector, and research and learning are mobilising around a call for the prioritisation of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the response to Covid-19. Read more and join here.
#WaterOpenGov news
The newest issue of the #WaterOpenGov community of practice newsletter outlines key measures water sector institutions are taking across Latin America to promote transparency and link to Open Government processes. It also delves into new research mapping WASH sector policy responses to Covid-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on the need to address the differences between measures for urban and rural settings and the issue of sustainability. Download full newsletter here.
#WaterChangeMakers
350 change stories were submitted for the #WaterChangeMaker awards led by the Global Water Partnership to promote knowledge sharing for climate resilience in the water sector. We are proud to be partners and look forward to learning more from the winners! These are the next steps.
Open Response + Open Recovery
Accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness are vital as we move through response to recovery from Covid-19 crisis. The Open Response + Open Recovery platform coordinated by the Open Government Partnership is a useful first port of call for resources on integrity measures and issues to be addressed at this time. Find out more and share more resources here.
OECD principles on water governance are 5 years old
Dishonesty, corruption, and failures of management are a threat for sustainable water infrastructure. The OECD Principles on Water Governance, which are celebrating their 5th anniversary this month, can help shape a response. They promote accountability of decision-makers and stakeholders through legal and institutional frameworks and encourage transparency and integrity to improve water management and access to sanitation. More on the principles here.
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Tuesday, June 23, 10:30 AM EST
WEBINAR: Integrity in the water and sanitation sector: a crucial element in response to COVID-19
Strengthening integrity, to ensure access to water and sanitation services as an essential practice in response to the pandemic. Part of a free seminar series about Water, Sanitation and Solid Waste in Covid-19 times by the Inter-American Development Bank - Water and Sanitation Division
Register here
Wednesday, June 24, 10:00 - 11:30 AM EDT
WEBINAR: Water and sanitation through a gender lens - Reinforcing commitments in OGP Action Plans
How can the Water Open Government accelerate reforms around gender in the water and sanitation sector in the age of climate change and pandemics? A webinar organised by the Community of Practice on Water and Open Government
Register here
SAVE THE DATE: Friday 21 August
Water Integrity Network Partner Meeting
We're moving the annual partner meeting online. We'll be discussing partner survey results and joint action for new projects and the Water Integrity Global Outlook 2021.
Get in touch for more info and to join.
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