The International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (IDWSSD) had its origin at the Water conference held at Mar-Sel-Plata in 1977 and subsequent United Nations General Asssembly Resolution of 1980. About 120 developing countries have actively participated in the UNDP programme during the decade for ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. As the International Drinking Water Supply and Saniatation Deade draws to a close this year, many developing countries continue to search foe solutions to daunting problems in providing safe drinking water and sanitation to nearly 2000 million people around the globe who are still access to these basic life saving services.

To helpprovide a forum for exchange of experience and to take stock of efforts made and the lessons learnt during the decade, a global consultation on Safe water and Sanitation is being held at Delhi. It shall chalk out the charter of action and frame an outlook for the future. Sponsored by United Nations Development programme, the consultation will call togather the representatives of developing countries, the specialised agencies including non-governmental organisations to formulate strategies for environmentally sound and sustainable water supply and sanitation services for the next 10 years. The result of the consultation will be brought to attention of United Nations General Assembly at its 45th session November this year.

The outcome of these deliberations and the resolution expected from the United Nations aim to stimulate Governments and communities alike to give much higher prioity and resources to water supply and sanitation.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India