Urban Sanitation Reform: A Global Imperative | Cosmetologist.org

Urban sanitation reform is a pressing concern worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 2 billion people lack access to basic sanitation facilities. The issue is particularly pronounced in developing cities, where rapid urbanization has outpaced infrastructure development. In 2015, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include a target to achieve universal access to sanitation by 2030. However, achieving this goal will require significant investment and innovation, with some estimates suggesting that $1.7 trillion is needed to meet global sanitation needs. Despite these challenges, there are promising examples of urban sanitation reform, such as the 'Clean India' initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, which has improved sanitation coverage in Indian cities. As the global urban population continues to grow, with 68% of people expected to live in cities by 2050, according to the UN, the need for effective urban sanitation reform has never been more urgent, with researchers like David Satterthwaite and Diana Mitlin highlighting the importance of community-led sanitation initiatives.