Global South Academic Conclave on WASH and Climate linkages

2nd - 4th February, 2024

Center for Water and Sanitation, CRDF in collaboration with Faculty of Planning, CEPT University and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In recent years, there is an emerging recognition of linkages between climate change and WASH. A better understanding of these links is critical for making WASH services climate resilient.

Many countries in the Global South have achieved significant progress towards sustainable water and sanitation services, while mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate response will also require a renewed focus on improved access to services at home. With varied approaches being used across countries, knowledge in the Global South can be an effective catalyst for accelerating development towards SDGs and climate resilience. Peer-to-peer learning will help provide practical insights about approaches that work, and pitfalls to avoid.

In this context, a South-to-South Conclave amongst academic institutions is being organised to focus on cross learning across countries and regions.

The Conclave will be held between 2nd to 4th February, 2024 in Ahmedabad, India.

Registrations open

The conclave will bring together academia and research institutions to discuss WASH and related issues around climate change, equity, financing, monitoring. Focus will be on both academia programmes as well as experience emerging from field based action research experiences.

Registrations are now open for the Conclave. Travel scholarships are available for a limited number of participants.

Submit abstract

The conclave will feature a comprehensive program offering numerous technical sessions and panel discussions showcasing relevant research and applications. For this, we invite abstracts under the thematic areas described below.

Notification of selected abstracts: 8th December 2023

Submit abstract

During the conclave, there will be a poster exhibition to showcase student research and studio work on climate and WASH. A special session, where poster presenters can make a short pitch, will also be organised. The event will provide an opportunity to share experiences with academic bodies of other universities as well as interact with industry professionals. We welcome abstracts from PhD scholars / graduate students / undergraduate students involved in relevant research.

Please indicate your interest in submitting a poster for along with a few details by 15th December, 2023. Post the shortlisting process, we will reach out to you with more details and a poster template.

Thematic areas

WASH policies in countries of Global South

To highlight key policies for universal access to WASH services, by different countries for improving water and sanitation services, with a focus on policy and strategy reflections, challenges and results.

Mitigation and Adaptation in WASH services for climate resilience

To highlight linkages of climate change with WASH, ongoing efforts and innovative approaches for adaptation and mitigation measures, and way forward.

Measuring WASH outcomes, and their climate impacts

To showcase monitoring systems, smart indicators, IOT based tools and systems for measuring and monitoring WASH-Climate outcomes.

Innovative financing for WASH from a climate lens

To highlight and assess conventional and innovative financing models for WASH services from a Climate lens, discussing potential and challenges.

Strengthening role of women in WASH - climate service delivery

Approaches taken by different countries/ regions / cities to enhance the role of women in WASH and Climate resilience activities. Focus on policy and strategy, approaches and challenges to strengthen the role of women.

Last mile connectivity for WASH services in slums and low income neighbourhoods for climate resilience

Innovative approaches used for providing the ‘last mile connectivity’ for WASH services to ensure climate resilience, especially for women, children and the vulnerable. This can be through government programmes, improved administration and smart subsidies.