Sanitation Systems Change: Why We Need a Radical Rethink to Achieve SDG 6.2

Dr. Roshan Shrestha of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) discussed their work towards addressing the global sanitation crisis, particularly SDG 6.2 on achieving adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene and ending open defecation. BMGF is recognized for challenging the status quo on sanitation, pushing the limits of what can be done and innovating age-old systems and practices to possibly provide sanitation for all.

Earth Observation for Sustainable Development Webinars

Earth Observation for Sustainable Development (EO4SD) is an initiative of the European Space Agency that aims to increase the uptake of satellite-based environmental information in international financial institutions. It will follow a systematic, user-driven approach in order to meet longer-term, strategic geospatial information needs in the individual developing countries, as well as international and regional development organizations.

360-Degree City Scan

Tractebel, an international consulting firm headquartered in Brussels, discussed their 360-degree city scan, a holistic methodology that can be used to assess cities. This session also featured the company’s other services complementing the value chain of an urban development project, from master plans and conceptual design to detailed design and execution.

The Second WePOWER Partnership Forum

ADB's South Asia Regional Department, in collaboration with the World Bank’s South Asia Energy and Social Development Units and Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), organized the Second Partnership Forum of the Women in Power Sector Professional Network in South Asia– WePOWER – to support workforce participation of women in energy projects and institutions, and promote normative change regarding women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Waterless Flush Toilet for Rapidly Growing Urban Centers

Loowatt COO Mary Roach and business development manager Ursula Braun discussed the company's patented flush toilet system that requires no water, and yet is hygienic and odorless in capturing waste for value-generating treatment. The system uses a plug-and-play processing equipment that allows utilities a source of feedstock for diverse waste-to-value streams, including anaerobic digestion (waste-to-energy) and nutrient recovery. Recent implementations include partnerships with local utilities in Laguna (Philippines) and Antananarivo (Madagascar).