Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Toilet Day 2025; November 19th.

In a world reshaped by rising climate pressures, urban growth, and inequality, safe sanitation remains a cornerstone of public health and human dignity.

The humble toilet is an icon of progress – preventing disease, protecting the environment, and preserving dignity and opportunity.

Without safe sanitation, sustainable development falters.

Contaminated water can spread diarrhoeal illnesses, which kill over 1,000 children a day.

Untreated human waste pollutes ecosystems and fuels greenhouse gas emissions.

And for millions of women and girls, the lack of a secure toilet means missed work and school.

In the past decade, 1.2 billion people gained access to safe sanitation. But 3.4 billion are still at risk –– marginalized by geography, income, or disability. Meanwhile, climate change and ageing infrastructure are straining waste systems.

This World Toilet Day, it’s time to speed up access to future-ready toilets that are accessible, climate-resilient, low-emission; and well-funded.

The toilet is a mundane marvel. And access to one is a matter of rights, and survival.

Let’s make safe sanitation a reality for all.

António Guterres