Statement of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Water on World Toilet Day 2025; November 19th.

Happy World Toilet Day.

From time to time throughout human history, despite how much world has changed, the need for safely managed sanitation has always remained. Humans need safe sanitation, and in this case… toilets – to sustain their lives and livelihoods.

It is not something we can ever take for granted.

Unfortunately, even as global progress on access to safe sanitation continues to grow, billions of people still face daily challenges in accessing toilet. Women and girls are most affected with the absence of safe sanitation.

The pursuit to ensure sanitation for all is a collective fight for humanity’s future. We have seen time and again how the lack of access to safely managed sanitation leads to outbreaks of disease, environmental degradation, and even economic hardship.

Our changing world presents new challenges. Disasters, climate change, and prolonged humanitarian emergencies are among the present challenges that limits access to safe sanitation.

But beyond just challenges – the rapid changing world also offers new opportunities and solutions. Innovations and technologies can and must be harnessed to accelerate efforts in ensuring sanitation for all.

As we commemorate this year’s World Toilet Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of safe sanitation and toilets in our lives. Let us also take part in the global efforts of ensuring safely managed sanitation for all.

Spread the world about the importance of toilets – talk about it with your friends and families, post it on social media, support government or community initiatives near you on building access to safe toilets, or contribute in any way you can.

Through those simple acts, we all will be part of a global movement that changes the world.

We’ll always need the toilet, and we are the change that the world’s sanitation needs.

Once again Happy World Toilet Day!

Retno L.P. Marsudi.