I am writing from Philadelphia at the annual World Toilet Summit hosted by the WTO – World Toilet Organization, ASPE – American Society of Plumbing Engineers and ICC – International Code Council. What a great partnership! People dedicated to improving access to sanitation have travelled from throughout the world – from Cambodia to Ghanna, from Oregon to Georgia – to share innovative ideas and approaches to sanitation.
The World Toilet Organization was founded in 2001 by Jack Sim, a businessman from Singapore. With 2.6 Billion people in the world without sanitation, Sim sees this as a business opportunity for social entrepreneurs. The approximately 8 million people in Haiti are a small part of the world-wide crisis. Of all the UN Millenium Development Goals to reduce world-wide poverty, Sanitation is the farthest from reaching it’s goal. However, I have learned at this meeting that there is a 5 year “push” to change that by 2015.
The opportunity to hear from and network with thought leaders throughout the world on sanitation in the developing world has been invaluable. I promise in coming weeks and months you will hear how some of these ideas have been integrated into YOUTHAITI’s programs. We are also seeking partnerships with companies whose work involves sanitation related business who have a Philanthropic mission of giving back to the world in which we live.
We will not let Haiti disappear from the world’s eyes as to the ongoing needs for sanitation, hygiene and health. I hope you will continue to give your support to make our dreams of a world in which everyone has access to toilets and clean water a reality.
love from Philly-
gigi
