The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) commits to promoting water recycling and safe reuse. UNECE will do this by fostering the exchange of experiences in the pan-European region and identifying policy and technical measures. Under the framework of the “UNECE-WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health,” UNECE will review existing practices on water reuse throughout the pan-European region. UNECE will also examine water policies from technical and financial dimensions. UNECE will assess potential health risks and challenges deriving from global pressures such as climate change, water scarcity, urbanisation, migration, and increasing inequalities. UNECE will also organise a regional workshop to discuss priority needs and action and promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences. These efforts will help UNECE to develop, as appropriate, further policy or technical guidance and practical tools under the Protocol. The commitment will reduce negative impacts on health and environment as a result of the implementation of best practices and the strengthening of policy frameworks.
The commitment falls under focus areas 5 and 2 of the Batumi Initiative to develop clean physical capital for sustainable production patterns; and promote the internalisation of negative externalities and the sustainable use of natural capital.
Implementing partners will include the national lead parties for this area of work and WHO/Europe co-secretariat; subsidiary bodies under the Protocol on Water and Health; national and local administrations; private companies, in particular, water supply and sanitation providers; and non-governmental organisations.
The commitment is relevant to SDGs targets 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 11.5, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3