9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministerial Forum highlights role of water and sanitation

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ninth Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministerial (PWWM) Forum held in Honiara from August 25-26 highlights the role of water and sanitation in pacific communities.

In their communique or statement, ministers and Ministerial representatives of the 9th PWWM Forum expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements extended to all delegations during their stay in Honiara.

Ministers reaffirm that access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation is fundamental to the wellbeing of people in the Pacific region, to the resilience of communities and to achieve sustainable development.

They strongly expressed that water security and wastewater management are vital to climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, human health, food and energy security, prosperity and the protection of Pacific ecosystems hence call for increased development partner support.

Also raised is the urgent need to bring water and wastewater priorities to a higher level within the regional agenda through strengthened links to Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) processes to ensure sustained political commitment and action.

“Ministers agreed that water is not only an economic issue but a matter of security and a fundamental human right,” said the statement.

In relation, ministers also emphasised the role of PWWM Forum in informing PIF (Pacific Islands Forum) Leaders on water and wastewater priorities, challenges, and needs.

This echoes the ministers further support of the importance of raising water visibility at the highest political levels, including systematic reporting to the PIF Leaders.

As noted in the 9th PWWM Forum statement, ministers recognise the need for all Pacific Island Leaders to champion water security at national, regional, and global levels.

Ministers were also encouraged to work with their Heads of Government to ensure water is prioritised in PIF Leaders’ deliberations, commencing at the PIFLM in Honiara.

Going forward, ministers laid emphasis on commitment, collaboration and championing water issues through the channel of urgent action to advance Water Security and SDG 6 in PIF Leaders processes.

“Ministers reaffirmed shared commitment to working with Pacific communities, CROP organisations, and development partners to ensure safe, reliable, and resilient water and sanitation services.

“Ministers called for stronger commitment of partner support to national and regional frameworks to maximise impact and deliver coordinated support that meets the priorities of Pacific Islands on water security,” said the statement.

Ministers have also agreed for the 2026 PWWM Forum to include regional preparations for the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) have been acknowledged by the ministers of the 9th PWWM Forum for their supporting coordination, technical expertise, and regional engagement.

Further noted is that ministers have agreed that the tenth PWWM Forum in 2026 will be held in French Polynesia and request that the Secretariat work closely with members and partners to progress the outcomes of this Forum, and to prepare a comprehensive update for consideration at the next meeting.

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