Last month at the UN-Habitat’s World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, Egypt, the GWOPA team sat down with John Butterworth from IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre. John is leading the development of a groundbreaking report in collaboration with GWOPA/UN-Habitat, titled The State of Water and Sanitation Utilities on Water and Sanitation. This first-of-its-kind report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of utilities worldwide and their critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The report will explore key aspects of water and sanitation utilities, including their scale, governance, performance, and contributions to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. It will also examine how utilities impact other goals, such as health, climate resilience, and decent work.
"We aim to present an evidence-based narrative enriched with real-world examples and best practices,"
— John Butterworth
To achieve this, the report will incorporate secondary data, case studies, and interviews with key stakeholders, including utilities across the GWOPA network.
A major focus of the report is innovation, highlighting how utilities are adopting digital solutions, nature-based systems, and other transformative approaches to enhance resilience, efficiency, and inclusivity. Practical recommendations will be included to support utilities in scaling these innovations for sustainable impact.
The report is currently in the drafting phase, with publication anticipated in the first half of 2025. GWOPA and IRC plan to launch the report with broad stakeholder engagement to ensure its findings drive meaningful change in the sector.
The GWOPA Communications team sat with John,
GWOPA Communications: Thank you for making you available, John. I understand there's a major global report on water and sanitation utilities being developed under the GWOPA Secretariat. Could you tell us about its main objectives?
John: Absolutely, the report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of water and sanitation utilities worldwide. We'll delve into their scale, governance, performance and the ways they contribute to local realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. We’re also focusing on identifying gaps and opportunities for utilities to further advance these goals.
GWOPA: That sounds broad and impactful. What approach will you be using to compile this data?
John: We'll rely on a blend of secondary data, case studies and interviews with key informants. We’re planning to survey utilities across the GWOPA network. The goal is to present an evidence-based narrative, enriched with real-world examples and best practices.
GWOPA: I see. Speaking of challenges, how will the report tackle innovation within the utilities sector?
John: Innovation is one of our key areas. We'll explore how utilities are adapting their approaches and integrating new technologies, such as digital solutions and nature-based systems. The focus is on doing things differently to drive sustainable change and scale their impacts. We aim to present practical recommendations to foster resilience, efficiency and inclusivity in the sector.
GWOPA: That’s fascinating. Could you elaborate on the connection between water utilities and the SDGs in the report?
John: Certainly. The report will highlight how water and sanitation utilities contribute directly to SDG 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. But it also emphasizes their wider impact on other goals, such as health, climate resilience, decent work and more. By examining these connections, we hope to demonstrate the transformative potential of utilities in achieving broader sustainable development outcomes.
GWOPA: What are some of the key next steps for the report’s development?
John: We’re in the process of preparing second drafts and refining content through feedback from a diverse range of reviewers. The publication is expected in the first half of 2025, and we’re planning for broad engagement during its launch to maximize its impact and utility for stakeholders around the world.
GWOPA: Thank you, John. It sounds like this report will be a valuable resource for advancing water and sanitation issues globally.
John: Thank you. As the report will emphasize the wider benefits that such services have, we hope it will help mobilize some of the resources and support that utilities need.
Stay tuned for updates on this flagship initiative as GWOPA and IRC work to amplify the transformative potential of water and sanitation utilities worldwide.