Statement of the Executive Director United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on World Toilet Day 2025; November 19th.

Sanitation in a Changing World is the theme of this year’s World Toilet Day and a stark reminder that while our world is impacted by rising climate risks, the need for safe sanitation never changes. Globally, the climate crisis risks rolling back hard-won progress on safely managed sanitation for millions of children, preventing them from living a life of health, dignity, and opportunity. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods and droughts can overwhelm sanitation systems, leaving communities vulnerable to diseases and struggling to maintain even basic sanitation services.

The good news is that we have solutions. As the co-founder and leader of the Climate Resilient Sanitation Coalition, UNICEF and key partners are working with Governments and communities around the world to accelerate progress on safe sanitation that can withstand climate shocks.

On this World Toilet Day, UNICEF is calling for stronger investment in climate-resilient sanitation — systems designed to endure extreme weather and environmental changes, while minimizing contributions to the climate crisis. Together, we can accelerate action so that every child, everywhere, has access to life-saving sanitation.

Catherine Russell.