Kutse

EXAMPLE OF A DELEGATION’S CREDENTIALS (ONLY FOR PARTIES)

CREDENTIALS

I, [name and title of the Head of State, Head of Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs or any other person or authority duly empowered to do so by one of these, such as the Minister for Environment], HEREBY AUTHORISE [name and title of one or more persons] to represent the Government of [name of State] at the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, to be held in Budapest, Hungary, on 5-7 November 2025. Done at [place] on [date]. [Signature]

POUVOIRS NOUS, [nom et titre du chef d'État, du chef de gouvernement ou du Ministre des Affaires étrangères ou toute autre personne ou autorité dûment autorisée à agir ainsi par l’un de ces derniers, tel que le Ministre de l'environnement], AUTORISONS PAR LA PRÉSENTE [nom et titre d'une ou plusieurs personnes] à représenter le Gouvernement [nom de l'État] à la septième session de la Réunion des Parties au Protocole sur l’eau et la santé à la Convention sur la protection et l'utilisation des cours d'eau transfrontières et des lacs internationaux, qui se tiendra à Budapest, Hongrie, du 5 au 7 novembre 2025. Fait à [lieu] le [date]. [Signature]

ПОЛНОМОЧИЯ Я [Ф.И.О. и должность Главы Государства, Главы Правительства, Министра иностранных дел или любого другого кем-либо из них на то уполномоченного лица или органа, например, Министра охраны окружающей среды], НАСТОЯЩИМ НАДЕЛЯЮ ПОЛНОМОЧИЯМИ [Ф.И.О. и должность одного или нескольких лиц] представлять Правительство [наименование Государства] на седьмой сессии Совещания Сторон Протокола по проблемам воды и здоровья к Конвенции по охране и использованию трансграничных водотоков и международных озер, которая состоится в Будапеште, Венгрия, с 5 по 7 ноября 2025 года. Совершено в [место] [дата]. [Подпись]

EXAMPLE OF A DELEGATION’S CREDENTIALS (ONLY FOR PARTIES)

CREDENTIALS

I, [name and title of the Head of State, Head of Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs or any other person or authority duly empowered to do so by one of these, such as the Minister for Environment], HEREBY AUTHORISE [name and title of one or more persons] to represent the Government of [name of State] at the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, to be held in Budapest, Hungary, on 5-7 November 2025. Done at [place] on [date]. [Signature]

POUVOIRS NOUS, [nom et titre du chef d'État, du chef de gouvernement ou du Ministre des Affaires étrangères ou toute autre personne ou autorité dûment autorisée à agir ainsi par l’un de ces derniers, tel que le Ministre de l'environnement], AUTORISONS PAR LA PRÉSENTE [nom et titre d'une ou plusieurs personnes] à représenter le Gouvernement [nom de l'État] à la septième session de la Réunion des Parties au Protocole sur l’eau et la santé à la Convention sur la protection et l'utilisation des cours d'eau transfrontières et des lacs internationaux, qui se tiendra à Budapest, Hongrie, du 5 au 7 novembre 2025. Fait à [lieu] le [date]. [Signature]

ПОЛНОМОЧИЯ Я [Ф.И.О. и должность Главы Государства, Главы Правительства, Министра иностранных дел или любого другого кем-либо из них на то уполномоченного лица или органа, например, Министра охраны окружающей среды], НАСТОЯЩИМ НАДЕЛЯЮ ПОЛНОМОЧИЯМИ [Ф.И.О. и должность одного или нескольких лиц] представлять Правительство [наименование Государства] на седьмой сессии Совещания Сторон Протокола по проблемам воды и здоровья к Конвенции по охране и использованию трансграничных водотоков и международных озер, которая состоится в Будапеште, Венгрия, с 5 по 7 ноября 2025 года. Совершено в [место] [дата]. [Подпись]

Economic Commission for Europe World Health Organization

Regional Office for Europe

Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on

Water and Health to the Convention on

the Protection and Use of Transboundary

Watercourses and International Lakes

Seventh session

Budapest, 5–7 November 2025

Item 1 of the provisional agenda

Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda

Annotated provisional agenda for the seventh session

To be held at Bálna Conference Centre, Budapest, starting on

Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at 10 a.m.*

I. Provisional agenda

High-level segment

1. Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda.

2. High-level segment: “Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer and healthier

future”.

3. Status of ratification of the Protocol and report on credentials.

4. Elections of the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the seventh session of the Meeting of the

Parties and other members of the Bureau.

General segment

5. Global and regional context: Relevant processes on water, sanitation, hygiene and

health.

* In accordance with United Nations accreditation procedures, participants are requested to complete

the online registration procedure available on the web page for the seventh session

(https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol) as soon as possible, but by no later than 5 October 2025.

Registration is available through the following link: https://indico.un.org/e/PWHMOP. For assistance

with registration, please see the instructions on the meeting web page or contact the joint secretariat

by email ([email protected]).

United NationsECE/MP.WH/26−EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

Economic and Social Council Distr.: General

13 August 2025

Original: English

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2

6. Review of past activities and discussion of future activities in the different areas of

work:

(a) Improving governance for water and health through setting targets,

implementing measures and reporting;

(b) Increasing resilience to climate change;

(c) Safe management of water supply and sanitation systems;

(d) Small-scale water supply and sanitation;

(e) Compliance procedure;

(f) Prevention and reduction of water-related diseases;

(g) Water, sanitation and hygiene in institutional settings and public places;

(h) Equitable access to water and sanitation: Translating the human rights to water

and sanitation into practice;

(i) Raising awareness on the Protocol and facilitating accession.

7. Looking to the future:

(a) Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health;

(b) System of financial targets under the Protocol.

8. Programme of work for 2026–2028, terms of reference of bodies established to

implement it, resources needed and partnerships for its implementation.

9. Dates and venue of the eighth session of the Meeting of the Parties.

10. Other business.

11. Adoption of the report.

12. Closing of the session.

II. Annotations

1. The seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health

to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and

International Lakes (Water Convention) will be held from 5 to 7 November 2025 at Bálna

Conference Centre, Budapest, at the invitation of the Government of Hungary.

2. The session will comprise a high-level segment followed by a general segment. The

high-level segment, addressing agenda items 1–4, will be held on the morning and afternoon

of Wednesday, 5 November, starting at 10 a.m. The general segment, addressing agenda

items 5–12, will start on Wednesday, 5 November, at 3.50 p.m. and run until 5.30 p.m. on

Friday, 7 November.

3. Various side events will be organized during the meeting; a detailed programme of

said side events will be made available in October 2025. Practical and logistical information

on the meeting and the relevant meeting documentation will be made available in due course

on a dedicated page on the Protocol’s website.1

1 See https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol.

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High-level segment

1. Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 10–10.45 a.m.

4. A high-level representative of Hungary will open the session. Mr. Sándor Pintér, the

Minister for the Interior, will make an opening statement.

5. Following a statement by a high-level official of the United Nations, the Executive

Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and the World

Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe will address the Meeting of the

Parties.

6. The Meeting of the Parties is expected to adopt its agenda as set out in the present

document.

Documentation

Annotated provisional agenda for the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties

(ECE/MP.WH/26–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03)

Organization of work (informal document)

2. High-level segment: “Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer

and healthier future”

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 10.45 a.m.–1 p.m.

7. The year 2025 marks the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Protocol

on Water and Health. From its adoption, the Protocol has offered countries in the pan-

European region a robust institutional and legal framework supporting them in meeting their

national and international commitments regarding water, sanitation, hygiene and health,

including those set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Declaration

of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, 5–7 July

2023). The Protocol has also steered the progressive realization of the human rights to safe

drinking water and sanitation as recognized by the General Assembly in its resolutions

64/292 (A/RES/64/292) and 70/169 (A/RES/70/169).

8. The Protocol’s success is underscored by its expanding membership, evidence of its

growing relevance and appeal across the region. The high-level segment will honour those

countries that have acceded to the Protocol since the sixth session of the Meeting of the

Parties (Geneva, 16–18 November 2022) – North Macedonia and Uzbekistan.

9. The high-level segment will take stock of the significant progress catalysed by the

Protocol across the pan-European region in the past two decades. Access to safely managed

drinking water and sanitation services has improved markedly. The impacts of climate

change on water and sanitation service provision have moved to the forefront of policy and

planning efforts. Equitable access to water and sanitation has gained increased policy

traction, and health systems have been further strengthened to prevent and respond to water-

related disease incidents and outbreaks. At the same time, the high-level segment will invite

open dialogue on how to tackle persisting gaps across the region and respond to global trends

and challenges – including climate change, environmental degradation, demographic shifts,

ageing infrastructure and cyber threats targeting water systems. It will also explore the

potential opportunities associated with digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence.

10. Building sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services

through strategic action under the Protocol on Water and Health is the overarching theme of

the proposed programme of work for 2026–2028. To that end, the high-level segment will

focus on examining the role of water and sanitation systems as foundational pillars for

resilience and health security in the face of mounting global challenges. As the impacts of

climate change intensify, health emergencies become more frequent and environmental

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4

degradation continues, the ability of communities, health systems and economies to

withstand and recover from shocks is under increasing pressure. Investment in safe, resilient

and equitable water and sanitation systems is vital in protecting public health, maintaining

essential services, preserving water resources and ecosystems, and reducing vulnerability

across sectors.

11. The multiple dimensions of resilience and their relevance to the water, sanitation and

health agenda will be unpacked and presented at the start of the discussions. The high-level

segment will feature high-level representatives from countries and international

organizations, as well as non-governmental partners. Discussions will address the diverse

challenges affecting the resilience of water and sanitation services in different contexts, the

implications for communities, health systems and economies, and explore solutions to ensure

the continuity and safety of these essential services – for example, during natural disasters,

health emergencies, or climate change-related impacts. The outcomes of the conversation

will inform the future strategic directions of the Protocol.

12. Discussions during the high-level segment will take place in several interactive

formats, including opportunities for delegations to take the floor and contribute to the

deliberations. Interventions and statements should not exceed three minutes. To facilitate the

running of the high-level segment, delegations planning to make a statement are invited to

inform the secretariat in advance.

13. The high-level segment will offer a valuable opportunity to share national experiences

and perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and promote integrated approaches that embed

water, sanitation and hygiene within broader policies for climate adaptation, emergency

preparedness and strengthening of health systems. The outcomes of the high-level segment

will feed into the preparatory process for the United Nations 2026 Water Conference (United

Arab Emirates, 2–4 December 2026).

Documentation

The Protocol on Water and Health: Driving Action on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and

Health (United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/21)

Programme of the high-level segment: “Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer

and healthier future” (informal document)

3. Status of ratification of the Protocol and report on credentials

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 3–3.30 p.m.

14. The joint secretariat will inform the Meeting of the Parties about the status of

ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health.

15. Delegates from States or regional economic integration organizations not yet Party to

the Protocol will be invited to briefly present their plans to ratify, accept, approve or accede

to the Protocol.

16. In accordance with rule 15 of the rules of procedure for the meetings of the Parties to

the Protocol (ECE/MP.WH/2/Add.1–EUR/06/5069385/1/Add.1), the Bureau will report on

the credentials submitted by the Parties.2 Parties to the Protocol are therefore invited to inform

the secretariat of the name(s) of their representative(s) at their earliest convenience, and to

submit the credentials or a copy thereof to the ECE secretariat by 22 October 2025. Those

Parties that have submitted a copy of the credentials should present the originals to the

2 Credentials are required for all Parties to the Protocol. Credentials are issued by either the Head of

State, the Head of Government, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, or any other person duly empowered

to do so by any of these, such as the Minister for Environment. Credentials should indicate the

composition of the delegation, including the head of delegation, and state that the respective

delegation is empowered to participate in the Meeting of the Parties and take decisions on behalf of

the respective Government, following the applicable rules of procedure. Credentials should list all

official representatives of the corresponding Party.

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5

secretariat before the opening of the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties, on arrival

at the meeting in Budapest.

Documentation

Status of ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health (informal document)

4. Elections of the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the seventh session of the

Meeting of the Parties and other members of the Bureau

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 3.30–3.50 p.m.

17. In accordance with rule 17 (1) and (2) of its rules of procedure, the Meeting of the

Parties will elect a Chair and two Vice-Chairs. The Meeting of the Parties will then elect

additional officers to serve as members of the Bureau. The Chair, Vice-Chairs and Bureau

members will remain in office until the next elections at the eighth session of the Meeting of

the Parties.

General segment

5. Global and regional context: Relevant processes on water, sanitation,

hygiene and health

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 3.50–4.30 p.m.

18. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed about relevant global and regional

processes and initiatives on water, sanitation, hygiene and health. In particular, participants

will be informed about the preparatory process for the 2026 United Nations Water

Conference to Accelerate the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (United

Arab Emirates, 2–4 December 2026), co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.

The Meeting will then discuss how the Protocol, including its tools and country-level

implementation, can support the objectives and expected outcomes of the Conference.

19. The Meeting of the Parties will be briefed on the United Nations System-wide

Strategy for Water and Sanitation and its implementation efforts of relevance to the Protocol.

20. The Meeting of the Parties will also be informed about the status of the

implementation of the water-, sanitation- and hygiene-related targets of the Sustainable

Development Goals.

21. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the commitments on environment and

health adopted at the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest,

5–7 July 2023), including the synergies with the Protocol on Water and Health.

22. A representative of the European Union will be invited to brief the Meeting of the

Parties on relevant legal and policy developments in the European Union, in particular the

European Union Water Resilience Strategy3 and the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment

Directive,4 and possible synergies with work carried out under the Protocol.

Documentation

Summary of proceedings by the President of the General Assembly: United Nations

Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives

of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–20285

3 See https://commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/water-resilience-strategy_en.

4 Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024

concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), Official Journal of the European Union, L series,

2024/3019(2024).

5 Available at https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4012972?v=pdf

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6

General Assembly resolution 78/327 entitled Modalities of the 2026 United Nations Water

Conference to Accelerate the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure

availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (A/RES/78/327)

Preparatory Process of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference: Note by the Secretary-

General of the Conference6

Themes of the interactive dialogues of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference to

Accelerate the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure availability and

sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (A/79/L.101)

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation (2024)7

Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (WHO

Regional Office for Europe, EURO/Budapest2023/6)

Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: 2000–2024 – Special

Focus on Inequalities (WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2025)

6. Review of past activities and discussion of future activities in the

different areas of work

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 4.30–6 p.m., Thursday, 6 November, 10 a.m.–1

p.m. and 3–6 p.m., and Friday, 7 November, 10–11.30 a.m.

23. The Meeting of the Parties will review the achievements, lessons learned and

challenges encountered under the current programme of work for 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/24/Add.1–EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/06/Add.1), while also taking

stock of the impacts made and the practical results achieved in the various areas of work over

the 20 years since the Protocol’s entry into force. Discussions on specific areas of the

programme of work will take place in a variety of formats, including panel discussions, round

tables, interviews and presentations. In addition to country representatives, partners will also

be invited to contribute to discussions on the programme areas in which they are involved.

24. The Meeting of the Parties will also examine proposals for activities under the

programme of work for 2026−2028. Under each programme area, country delegates will be

invited to express interest in organizing national, subregional and/or regional capacity-

building events in the forthcoming triennium. A discussion on the overall programme of work

for 2026–2028 will take place under agenda item 8.

25. At the outset, representatives of ECE and WHO/Europe will inform the Meeting of

the Parties about the financial situation in both organizations and the corresponding

implications for the Protocol.

Documentation

Report on the implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/1–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/07)

Draft programme of work for 2026–2028, including an overview of resource requirements

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/2–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/08)

Overview of contributions and expenditures for the period 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/3–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/09)

6 Available at https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2025-

06/Conference%20SG%20Background%20Note%20for%209%20July%20PGA%20session_12%20J

une.pdf.

7 Available at www.unwater.org/publications/united-nations-system-wide-strategy-water-and-

sanitation.

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(a) Improving governance for water and health through setting targets, implementing

measures and reporting

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 4.30–6 p.m.

26. The Chair of the Task Force on Target Setting and Reporting will present the

outcomes of the work of the Task Force in the past triennium, speaking on behalf of the lead

Parties for this programme area: Portugal, Romania and Switzerland. In this regard, the

Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the outcomes of the thirteenth and fourteenth

meetings of the Task Force on Target Setting and Reporting (Geneva, 14 November 2023,

and Budapest, 12–13 December 2024, respectively). The outcomes of the subregional

workshop “Increasing climate resilience of water and sanitation sector in the Mediterranean

Region” (Lisbon, 4–5 June 2024) will highlight good practices in increasing the resilience of

the water and sanitation sectors in countries involved through the setting of climate-sensitive

targets using the Protocol’s tools and by implementing measures.

27. With reference to article 6 (3) of the Protocol, countries that have achieved substantial

progress in setting, revising and/or implementing their national targets in the period 2023–

2025 will be invited to report on their achievements.

28. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the benefits and specific challenges

encountered throughout the target-setting, revision or implementation processes, as well as

the impacts made. Participants will share effective solutions and lessons learned. In addition,

participants will be invited to highlight how other areas of work under the Protocol have

influenced target setting at the national and local levels, and vice versa.

29. The Meeting will further be informed of key milestones reached through dedicated

projects on improving governance on water and health at the national level, including

“Strengthening action in Uzbekistan on water and sanitation and protection of water

resources from accidental pollution in the face of climate change” and “Improving water,

sanitation, hygiene and health through implementation of the programme of work of the

Protocol on Water and Health” with beneficiary countries in Central Asia.

30. The Meeting of the Parties will be provided with an overview of the national summary

reports submitted in the sixth reporting cycle and invited to review the implementation of the

Protocol. The Meeting of the Parties is also expected to take note of reports submitted by

signatories and other States not Party to the Protocol.

31. The Meeting of the Parties will also discuss the main trends, challenges and solutions

emerging from the reporting exercise of 2024–2025. It may also discuss the use of the online

reporting system in the sixth reporting cycle.

32. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Overview of national summary reports submitted by Parties and other States (informal

document)

(b) Increasing resilience to climate change

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 10–11 a.m.

33. The lead countries, Italy and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will present the

outcomes and impacts of activities related to increasing resilience to climate change in the

past triennium. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the strategic

paper Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Sector through

the Protocol on Water and Health, developed to support policymakers, regulators and service

providers. The Meeting will also discuss the document “Mainstreaming water supply,

sanitation, transboundary water management and cooperation into Nationally Determined

Contributions and National Adaptation Plans”, which provides countries with practical

recommendations for strengthening water and sanitation aspects of their national climate

policies, and will reflect on its implementation.

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34. The Meeting of the Parties will consider the overall impact achieved within this

programme area and will discuss the progress made by the Parties and other States,

challenges encountered by them in strengthening resilience to climate change and practical

experiences gained from using the tools developed under the Protocol. It will also reflect on

the need to integrate climate change considerations across the thematic priorities of the

programme of work. The discussion will also underscore the importance of integrating water

and sanitation resilience considerations into broader development and climate agendas,

including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process.

35. The lead countries will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for

the period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Sector through the

Protocol on Water and Health (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2024)

Mainstreaming water supply, sanitation, transboundary water management and cooperation

into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans (informal

document)

Outcomes statements from the Global workshop on increasing climate resilience with focus

on floods and health on the transboundary and national levels (Geneva, 19–20 March 2025)

(informal document)

(c) Safe management of water supply and sanitation systems

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 11 a.m.–noon

36. The lead Parties, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will

present the outcomes and impacts of activities related to safe management of water supply

and sanitation systems. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be briefed on the scope

and key outcomes of the Workshop on safe sanitation for public health protection in Central

Asia (Astana, 3–5 June 2025) and the Workshop on water safety plan auditing (Split, Croatia,

6–7 May 2024), both promoting the uptake of risk-based management approaches for water

and sanitation services in policy and practice.

37. The Meeting of the Parties will also be updated on various capacity-building

initiatives at the national level relating to the implementation of water safety plan (WSP) and

sanitation safety plan (SSP) approaches, as well as quantitative microbial risk assessment.

38. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties, as well as

to the experience gained from using the practical tools developed under the Protocol on Water

and Health to support the uptake of risk-based management of water and sanitation services,

such as WSP and SSP approaches. The discussion will also refer to the global context, with

particular reference to the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality: Fourth Edition

Incorporating the First and Second Addenda8and the WHO Guidelines on Sanitation and

Health,9and consider the synergies involved in implementing risk-based approaches in

accordance with the European Union Drinking Water Directive10 and the European Union

Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

39. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

8 WHO, Geneva, 2022.

9 WHO, Geneva, 2018.

10 Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on

the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast), Official Journal of the European Union,

L 435 (2020), pp. 1–62.

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Report of the Workshop on safe sanitation for public health protection in Central Asia

(Astana, 3–4 June 2025) (informal document)

A road map for advancing sanitation regulation (WHO, 2025)

Steps to achieve universal access to safely managed sanitation (WHO, 2025)

(d) Small-scale water supply and sanitation

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, noon–1 p.m.

40. The lead Parties, Germany and Serbia, will present the outcomes and impacts of

activities related to small-scale water supply and sanitation. In particular, the Meeting of the

Parties will be briefed on the main findings of the review of targets and country activities on

small-scale water supply and sanitation systems, summarized in the report Small-scale

Sanitation and Water Supply Systems: Driving Country Action Towards Safer Services. The

Meeting of the Parties will then be invited to endorse the publication.

41. The Meeting of the Parties will also be updated by the lead Parties, together with the

Kingdom of the Netherlands, on ongoing efforts to develop integrated water and sanitation

safety plans for small-scale systems in rural areas. Lead Parties will also report on efforts to

raise awareness of the importance of safely managing on-site sanitation, including the

development of the publication Towards Safer On-site Sanitation in the Pan-European

Region.

42. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties, as well as

to the experience gained from using the practical tools developed under the Protocol on Water

and Health to support an improved policy environment and adopt risk-based management

and surveillance for small-scale systems. The discussion will also refer to the global context,

with particular reference to the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality: Small Water

Supplies and the associated sanitary inspection packages, as well as the global

WHO/UNICEF initiative on ensuring safely managed on-site sanitation systems.

43. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Small-scale Sanitation and Water Supply Systems: Driving Country Action Towards Safer

Services (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Annotated outline of the publication: Towards Safer On-site Sanitation in the Pan-European

Region (informal document)

Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality: Small Water Supplies (Geneva, WHO, 2024)

Sanitary Inspection Packages: A Supporting Tool for the Guidelines for Drinking Water

Quality: Small Water Supplies (Geneva, WHO, 2024)

(e) Compliance procedure

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 3–4 p.m.

44. The representative of the Compliance Committee under the Protocol will report on

the Committee’s activities in the past triennium, in particular, the outcomes of the review of

compliance with the obligation to set targets and target dates under article 6 of the Protocol,

support provided by the Committee to the reporting exercise through the development of the

document “Comments and annotations by the Compliance Committee to the template for

summary reports in accordance with article 7 of the Protocol on Water and Health” and the

development of the interpretive note focusing on the key provisions of the Protocol relating

to public health.

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45. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to take note of the Committee’s report,

including any general recommendations contained therein, and to consider and adopt a draft

decision on general issues of compliance, prepared by the Committee.

46. Parties will be invited to express interest in undertaking a consultation with the

Committee under the Consultation Process in the period 2026–2028, as part of the future

programme of work.

47. The Meeting of the Parties is expected to elect four members of the Compliance

Committee, in accordance with the procedure set out in the annex to decision I/2 on review

of compliance (ECE/MP.WH/2/Add.3–EUR/06/5069385/1/Add.3).

Documentation

Report of the Compliance Committee to the Meeting of Parties, including the draft decision

on general issues of compliance (ECE/MP.WH/2025/4–

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/10)

The Protocol on Water and Health and the protection of public health: Interpretive note on

the provisions of the Protocol related to public health (ECE/MP.WH/2025/7–

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/13)

List of nominated candidates for the Compliance Committee, together with curricula vitae

and supporting documentation (informal document)

(f) Prevention and reduction of water-related diseases

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 4–5 p.m.

48. The lead Parties, Belarus and Norway, will present the outcomes and impacts of

activities related to the prevention and reduction of water-related diseases. In particular, the

Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the objectives and main content of the

publication Prevalence of Legionella as a Waterborne Pathogen and its Impacts in the Pan-

European Region, addressing a leading course of water-related disease in the region. The

Meeting of the Parties will then be invited to endorse the publication.

49. The Meeting of the Parties will also be updated on various capacity-building

initiatives at the national and subregional levels, including through the Workshop on

wastewater and environmental surveillance for public health in Central Asia (Astana, 5 June

2025) and the Meeting on risk-based drinking-water surveillance in Nordic-Baltic countries

(Tallinn, 24–26 April 2024), as well as the provision of a training package on surveillance of

drinking water using risk-based approaches. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to

endorse the training package.

50. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties in meeting

the core provisions of Protocol article 6 (5) (c) on the monitoring and enforcement of drinking

water quality standards, and article 8 on the strengthening of surveillance and outbreak

response systems for water-related disease, as well as to the experiences gained from using

the practical tools developed under the Protocol to support such efforts. The discussion will

also refer to the Protocol’s role in promoting the uptake of wastewater and environmental

surveillance as a public health tool, and consider the synergies involved in implementing

risk-based surveillance approaches in accordance with the European Union Drinking Water

Directive (2020) and the European Union Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (2024).

51. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Report of the Meeting on risk-based drinking-water surveillance in Nordic-Baltic countries

(Tallinn, 24–26 April 2024) (informal document)

Report of the Workshop on wastewater and environmental surveillance for public health in

Central Asia (Astana, 5 June 2025) (informal document)

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Prevalence of Legionella as a Waterborne Pathogen and its Impacts in the Pan-European

Region (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Training package on water-related disease surveillance (Russian-language version) (WHO

Regional Office for Europe, 2024)

Training package on risk-based drinking-water surveillance (WHO Regional Office for

Europe, 2025)

(g) Water, sanitation and hygiene in institutional settings and public places

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 5–6 p.m.

52. The lead Parties, Hungary, Lithuania, North Macedonia and the Republic of Moldova,

and the lead country, Georgia, will present the outcomes and impacts of activities related to

water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in institutions, with a particular focus on healthcare

facilities and schools, as well as hand hygiene in public places.

53. In the context of schools, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the key

outcomes of the Subregional workshop on water, sanitation and hygiene in schools (Astana,

11–13 December 2023), as well as the communication and advocacy efforts aimed at

advancing menstrual health in schools. The Meeting will also be updated on the outcomes of

the hybrid conference on “Good practices in hand hygiene and menstrual health in schools in

the pan-European region” (Kaunas, Lithuania, 5 September 2024), as well as the objectives

and main content of the publication Healthy Habits, Healthy Schools: Good Practices for

Hand Hygiene and Menstrual Health in Schools in the Pan-European Region. The Meeting

of the Parties will then be invited to endorse the publication.

54. In the context of healthcare facilities, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed of

the key outcomes of the Meeting on water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities in

the WHO European Region (Budapest, 2–4 July 2025), as well as of the objectives and main

content of the publication Improving Quality of Care through Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Services: Highlights and Progress in the Pan-European Region.

55. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties, as well as

to the experience gained from using the practical tools developed under the Protocol on Water

and Health to improve the surveillance and management of WASH in healthcare facilities

and schools. Contributions to the shaping of the WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in

Community Settings will also be considered. The discussion will also refer to the Protocol’s

role in the global context, with particular reference to World Health Assembly resolution

72.7 on water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities11 and General Assembly

resolution 78/130 on sustainable, safe and universal water, sanitation, hygiene, waste and

electricity services in healthcare facilities (A/RES/78/130).

56. The lead Parties and country will introduce suggested future work in this programme

area for the period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Healthy Habits, Healthy Schools: Good Practices for Hand Hygiene and Menstrual Health

in Schools in the Pan-European Region (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Water, sanitation and hygiene in schools: Key insights from the third subregional workshop

(Astana, 11–13 December 2023) (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2024)

Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools 2015–2023: Special Focus

on Menstrual Health (New York, UNICEF and WHO, 2024)

11 WHO, Seventy-second World Health Assembly, Geneva, 20–28 May 2019 – Resolutions and

decisions: Annexes, WHA72/2019/REC/1, resolution WHA72.7.

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Improving Quality of Care through Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services: Highlights and

Progress in the Pan-European Region (WHO Regional Office for Europe, forthcoming)

National situational analysis of water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities in

Montenegro: summary report (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Report of the Meeting on water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities in the WHO

European Region (Budapest, 2–4 July 2025) (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Healthcare

Facilities: 2023 Data Update and Special Focus on Primary Healthcare (WHO and

UNICEF, 2024)

Implementation of the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH

FIT): Global Report (WHO and UNICEF, 2025)

Essential Services for Quality Care: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Healthcare Waste and

Electricity Services in Healthcare Facilities: Global Progress Report (WHO and UNICEF,

2025)

(h) Equitable access to water and sanitation: Translating the human rights to water and

sanitation into practice

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 10–11 a.m.

57. The lead Parties France, Hungary and North Macedonia will present the outcomes and

impacts of activities related to equitable access to water and sanitation over the past

triennium, with a focus on the launch of the Equitable Access Score-card 2.0: Shaping Water

and Sanitation Policies to Achieve the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation. The lead

Parties, together with Germany, will present the Policy Brief. Water for All: Embedding

Equity in Drinking Water Policies, synthesizing good practices in taking policy action.

58. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the self-assessments on equitable

access to water and sanitation conducted in Montenegro, Albania and Georgia and the

subsequent actions taken in those countries. Key outcomes of the seventh meeting of the

Expert Group on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation under the Protocol on Water and

Health (online, 28–29 May 2024) and the Regional workshop on equitable access to water

and sanitation (Budapest, 11–12 December 2025) will inform the discussion on activities in

this programme area.

59. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the Protocol’s contribution over the past

20 years in translating the human rights to water and sanitation into practice and how the

Protocol’s tools, such as The Equitable Access Score-card and targeted policy guidance, have

helped countries identify and address inequalities and strengthen affordability policies.

60. Representatives of Parties and non-Parties that have applied The Equitable Access

Score-card and the Guidance Note on the Development of Action Plans to Ensure Equitable

Access to Water and Sanitation12 will report on the progress they have made in assessing

equitable access to water and sanitation, implementing actions to improve it, and aligning

with the European Union Drinking Water Directive and Urban Wastewater Treatment

Directive.

61. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

The Equitable Access Score-card 2.0: Shaping Water and Sanitation Policies to Achieve the

Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/25)

Policy Brief. Water for All: Embedding Equity in Drinking Water Policies (WHO Regional

Office for Europe, 2025)

12 United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/15.

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13

Outcome document of the Regional Workshop on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

under the Protocol on Water and Health: Strengthening regional WASH efforts through

Protocol tools (Budapest, 11–12 December 2024) (informal document)

Country report: Montenegro Self-assessment on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

(informal document)

Country report: Albania Self-assessment on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

(informal document)

Country report: Georgia Self-assessment on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

(informal document)

(i) Raising awareness on the Protocol and facilitating accession

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 11–11.30 a.m.

62. The joint secretariat will report on the activities and projects undertaken to raise

awareness of the Protocol and to promote accession, including through active engagement in

international and regional events.

63. A representative of the ECE secretariat will report on the support for implementation

of the Protocol provided by the ECE-led National Policy Dialogues through several projects

funded by the European Union and other donors.

64. A representative of the WHO/Europe secretariat will brief participants on assistance

provided to member States through the framework of biennial collaborative agreements and

country cooperation strategies to support the Protocol’s work.

65. The joint secretariat will introduce suggested future activities for the period 2026–

2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Status of ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health (informal document)

7. Looking to the future

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 11.30 a.m.–1 p.m.

(a) Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health

66. A representative of the Bureau of the Meeting of the Parties will present the draft

Strategy for implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health, prepared by the Bureau

and reviewed by the Working Group on Water and Health. The meeting will review the draft

Strategy and will be invited to adopt it and discuss ways to ensure its implementation.

(b) System of financial targets under the Protocol

67. The Meeting of the Parties will review the financial situation of the Protocol with a

view to ensuring the financial sustainability of its work. To this end, the joint secretariat will

provide an overview of the financial resources that were made available for the

implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025, highlighting specific challenges

encountered as a result of lack of funds, and introduce the overview of resource requirements

for 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will also be informed about the staffing situation

in the ECE and WHO/Europe component parts of the joint secretariat, and will then be invited

to discuss it.

68. A representative of the Bureau of the Meeting of the Parties will present the draft

decision on targets for financial sustainability of the work under the Protocol on Water and

Health, prepared by the Bureau, in consultation with the Working Group on Water and

Health, following the request to prepare a draft decision on strengthening financial

sustainability of the work under the Protocol made by the Meeting of the Parties at its sixth

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session.13 The meeting will discuss the proposed system of targets and will be invited to adopt

it and discuss ways to ensure its implementation.

69. In a round table discussion on the financing of the Protocol on Water and Health in

the context of the adopted targets, Parties will be invited to reflect on how their country has

supported the implementation of the Protocol’s programmes of work in the past, and how

they intend to provide financial and/or in-kind contributions towards the implementation of

the Protocol’s programme of work for 2026–2028 in the light of the adopted targets.

Representatives of other States, relevant international and non-governmental organizations

(NGOs) and other partners may also take the floor.

Documentation

Draft Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/6–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/12)

Draft decision on targets for financial sustainability of the work under the Protocol on Water

and Health (ECE/MP.WH/2025/5–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/11)

Concept note for a round table discussion on the financing of the Protocol on Water and

Health (informal document)

8. Programme of work for 2026–2028, terms of reference of bodies

established to implement it, resources needed and partnerships for its

implementation

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 3–4.45 p.m.

70. On the basis of the discussions under previous agenda items, the Meeting of the Parties

is expected to finalize and adopt its programme of work for 2026–2028. In doing so, the

Meeting of the Parties will agree on the:

(a) Structure of the programme of work, future activities and lead countries;

(b) Intergovernmental bodies, along with their respective mandates and terms of

reference, to guide the implementation of the programme of work.

71. In accordance with article 16 (3) (c) and (d) of the Protocol, the Chair of the Meeting

of the Parties to the Water Convention will inform the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol

of the progress made in the implementation of the Water Convention and the outcomes of the

tenth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention (Ljubljana, 23–25 October

2024), especially regarding the new areas of work under the Convention and the opportunities

for cooperation in the activities under the Convention and the Protocol.

72. Considering that the success of the implementation of the programme of work depends

on strategic cooperation with partners who share joint goals and agendas, such as

international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and

academia, existing and potential new partners will be invited to present proposals for

cooperation in the framework of the programme of work for 2026–2028.

Documentation

Report on the implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/1–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/07)

Draft programme of work for 2026–2028, including an overview of resource requirements

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/2–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/08)

Provisional calendar of meetings under the Water Convention and the Protocol on Water and

Health in 2026 (informal document)

13 ECE/MP.WH/24−EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/06, para. 101 (e).

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9. Dates and venue of the eighth session of the Meeting of the Parties

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 4.45–4.50 p.m.

73. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to set dates and agree on the venue for its

eighth ordinary session.

10. Other business

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 4.50–4.55 p.m.

74. Delegates wishing to propose points under this item are requested to inform the joint

secretariat as soon as possible.

11. Adoption of the report

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 4.55–5.20 p.m.

75. The Chair will present the main decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties, which

form the basis of the draft report. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to consider and

adopt the draft report of its seventh session and entrust the joint secretariat, in consultation

with the Bureau, with its finalization.

12. Closing of the session

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 5.20–5.30 p.m.

76. The Chair and a representative of the host country will be invited to make final

statements. The Chair will then officially close the session.

1

High-level segment: Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer and healthier future

Wednesday, 5 November, 10.45 a.m.–1 p.m.

CONCEPT NOTE

Background and overall objective

The year 2025 marks the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Protocol on Water and Health. From its adoption, the Protocol has offered countries in the pan-European region a robust institutional and legal framework supporting them in meeting their national and international commitments regarding water, sanitation, hygiene and health, including those set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, 5–7 July 2023). The Protocol has also steered the progressive realization of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation as recognized by the General Assembly in its resolutions 64/292 (2010) and 70/169 (2015).

Continuing the priorities set out in previous programmes of work, the overarching theme of the proposed programme of work for 2026–2028 is: Building sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services through strategic action under the Protocol on Water and Health.1 This focus reflects the understanding that the resilience of communities and societies is deeply dependent on the availability and sustainable management of essential services and water resources. Strengthening their resilience is a fundamental pillar in enhancing the broader resilience and health security of the pan-European region.

The overarching objective of the high-level segment is to celebrate and take stock of 20 years of collective pan-European action on water, sanitation, hygiene and health under the Protocol on Water and Health, while inspiring future action and sharing experiences to build sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services, and to ensure the protection and sustainable management of water resources.

The outcomes of the high-level segment will inform the preparatory process for the United Nations 2026 Water Conference.

The high-level segment will be structured into three distinct parts:

Part 1: Welcoming ceremony for new Parties

The high-level segment will commence with a ceremony welcoming new Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health that have acceded since the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties (Geneva, 16–18 November 2022).

Part 2: Celebrating 20 years of the Protocol on Water and Health

Objective: To celebrate 20 years of collective pan-European action on water, sanitation, hygiene and health under the Protocol on Water and Health.

This part will take stock of the significant progress and impacts catalysed by the Protocol in the past two decades. The protection and sustainable management of water resources has progressed. Access to safely

1 The draft programme of work for 2026–2028 is available at: https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol (see Documentation).

2

managed drinking water and sanitation services has improved markedly across the region. Strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change on water and sanitation service provision has moved to the forefront of policy and planning. Equitable access to water and sanitation has gained increased policy traction, and health systems have been further strengthened to prevent and respond to water-related disease incidents and outbreaks.

Looking ahead, the segment will also seek to inspire action for the future, recognizing the visionary elements of the Protocol at its time of negotiation, ensuring that the next decades build on past achievements when addressing current and emerging challenges.

Run of show

The session will open with testimonials highlighting insights into the historical development of the Protocol and its present-day value and impact.

This will be followed by a high-level panel featuring representatives from countries, international organizations and non-governmental partners, reflecting on the Protocol’s past and future role in shaping the national, regional and global agendas on water, sanitation, hygiene and health.

Guiding questions

Proposed guiding questions for discussion:

- Over the past 20 years, what have been the Protocol’s most significant achievements and tangible impacts on the ground?

- How has the Protocol shaped national and regional policies and investments on water, sanitation and health?

- In what ways has the Protocol supported countries in integrating water, sanitation and hygiene into national health strategies and programming? And in turn, how has the Protocol supported the integration of health into national water strategies and basin management plans?

- What key lessons from two decades of implementation experience can inspire and guide future action under the Protocol?

Interactive discussion

The interactive discussion will provide an open platform for Parties, other States, international organizations and stakeholders to share perspectives, experiences and proposals from the floor. Delegations are invited to make brief interventions, not exceeding three minutes, to allow for a broad range of views.

Part 3: Enhancing resilience to emerging challenges in water, sanitation, hygiene and health

Objective: To inspire action and share experiences in building sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services.

This part will examine the role of water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services as foundational pillars of resilience and health security in the face of mounting global challenges. As the impacts of climate change intensify, health emergencies become more frequent, environmental degradation accelerates, demographic shifts put an increasing pressure and new threats such as cybersecurity threats emerge, the ability of communities, health systems, infrastructure and economies to withstand and recover from shocks is under increasing pressure. Investing in safe, resilient and equitable water, sanitation and hygiene systems, including the management and protection of water resources, is essential for protecting public health, ensuring continuity of essential services, preserving ecosystems, and reducing vulnerability across sectors.

3

The deliberations aim to foster the exchange of experiences and perspectives, strengthen partnerships and promote integrated approaches that embed water, sanitation and hygiene in wider policies for climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, protection of water resources and health system strengthening.

Run of show

The session will begin with a keynote address unpacking the multiple dimensions of resilience and their relevance to the water, sanitation and health agenda, including in the context of emerging challenges.

The keynote will be followed by a high-level panel discussion with representatives from countries, international organizations and non-governmental partners. Panellists will be invited to examine the diverse risks and challenges affecting the resilience of water and sanitation systems – ranging from natural disasters and health emergencies to climate change impacts– and explore solutions to safeguard the continuity and safety of these essential services.

Guiding questions

Proposed guiding questions for discussion:

- In your context, what are the main current and emerging risks, shocks and vulnerabilities, undermining the resilience of water, sanitation and hygiene systems?

- What role do resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems play in strengthening national health systems and health security in the face of climate change, pandemics and other crises?

- What solutions—whether policies, investments or innovations—have proven effective in strengthening the resilience of water, sanitation and hygiene services amid these complex challenges?

- How can integrated planning across sectors (e.g. health, environment, infrastructure) support resilient, safe and equitable water, sanitation and hygiene systems capable of addressing emerging threats?

- What role should the Protocol play in accelerating country-level action on climate change and health through the water, sanitation and hygiene agenda?

Interactive discussion

The interactive discussion will provide an open platform for Parties, other States, international organizations and stakeholders to share perspectives, experiences and proposals from the floor. Delegations are invited to make brief interventions, not exceeding three minutes, to allow for a broad range of views.

Practical information

To help shape the final programme of the high-level segment, delegations are asked to inform the joint secretariat of any high-level participants as soon as possible. Priority will be given to high-level speakers, such as ministers, deputy ministers, state secretaries, permanent secretaries and heads of agencies.

Delegations planning to deliver a high-level statement from the floor during the interactive discussion are invited to inform the joint secretariat by 22 October 2025, indicating the panel after which they wish to intervene. Statements should address some of the guiding questions listed above. Statements should not exceed three minutes.

Delegations planning to deliver a high-level statement are invited to submit a picture, photo, painting, drawing or other image in advance to the joint secretariat that illustrates or complements their statement. Such image should be submitted by email ([email protected]) by 29 October 2025. The image will then be projected on the screen during the delivery of the high-level statement.

Ref.: 2025/OES/127/ENV/122

Geneva and Copenhagen, 22 August 2025

Dear Ministers, We have the honour to invite the Republic of Estonia to the seventh session of the Meeting of

the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. The meeting is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), at the invitation of the Government of Hungary. It will take place in Budapest at the Bálna Conference Center from 5 to 7 November 2025.

The Budapest Meeting of the Parties will mark 20 years since the entry into force of the

Protocol on Water and Health – a unique international agreement linking sustainable water management and the prevention, control and reduction of water-related diseases. Since its adoption in 1999, the Protocol has proven to be a vital instrument in advancing water, sanitation, hygiene and health across the pan-European region. It has played a significant role in expanding access to safely managed water and sanitation services, improving the quality of drinking water, advancing hygiene practices and reducing the incidence of water-related diseases. Today, the Protocol continues to drive policies and mobilize practical action towards equitable access to water and sanitation services for all in all settings.

We warmly invite you to take part in the meeting’s high-level segment, “Resilient water and

sanitation systems for a safer and healthier future”, scheduled for 5 November. The session will examine the role of water and sanitation systems as foundational pillars for resilience and health security in the face of mounting global challenges. As the impacts of climate change intensify, health emergencies become more frequent and environmental degradation continues, the ability of communities, health systems and economies to withstand and recover from shocks is under increasing pressure. Investing in safe, resilient and equitable water and sanitation systems is vital to protecting public health, maintaining essential services, preserving water resources and ecosystems and reducing vulnerability across sectors. This high-level segment will offer a valuable opportunity to share national experiences and perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and promote integrated approaches that embed water, sanitation and hygiene within broader policies for climate adaptation, emergency preparedness and health system strengthening. The outcomes of the high-level segment will feed into the preparatory process to the United Nations 2026 Water Conference (United Arab Emirates, 2–4 December 2026).

Mr. Andres Sutt Minister of Energy and the Environment of the Republic of Estonia Tallinn

Ms. Karmen Joller Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Tallinn

Page 2

The general segment of the meeting will be dedicated to reviewing progress made since the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties in 2022 and shaping the future direction of the Protocol, while also focusing on its impacts and success stories at country and regional levels. It will include discussions on improving governance, enhancing resilience to climate change, the safe management of water supply and sanitation systems and services, small-scale water supply and sanitation, the prevention and reduction of water-related diseases, equitable access to water and sanitation, and water, sanitation and hygiene in institutional settings and public places.

The Meeting of the Parties is expected to adopt a forward-looking programme of work for the

period 2026–2028. The programme will serve as the main instrument for supporting implementation, responding to the needs and priorities of countries and advancing progress in water, sanitation, hygiene and health across the region, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the regional commitments set out in the Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health. A new complementary Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol, to be adopted by the Meeting of the Parties, will set directions for future development and enhanced implementation of the instrument.

Furthermore, the meeting will discuss and adopt an innovative system of targets to ensure

financial sustainability of the work under the Protocol, with the aim of complementing and supporting strategic action with the required resources. During a round-table discussion on financing, Parties will be invited to reflect upon the proposed targets and share their ideas on how to implement them. We invite your country to reaffirm its intention to support the implementation of the new programme of work through active engagement and contributions, both financial and in-kind.

Please find enclosed the provisional agenda, a practical information note, and a concept note providing further detail on the high-level segment. Additional information, including details on registration, accreditation, and financial support for eligible participants, is available on the meeting website: https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol.

Given the Protocol’s cross-sectoral nature, we highly recommend that national delegations

include representatives from the health, water and environment sectors to ensure effective and coordinated participation. We encourage you to include female participants in your delegation. We would appreciate it if you could designate the members of your delegation, communicate their details to the joint secretariat by e-mail and arrange their online registration for the meeting by 5 October 2025. Parties also need to submit their credentials to the joint secretariat by e-mail by 22 October 2025.

Should you require additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the

joint secretariat at [email protected] and at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you and your delegation in Budapest. Please accept, Ministers, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Tatiana Molcean

Executive Secretary United Nations

Economic Commission for Europe

Hans Henri P. Kluge

Regional Director World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe

Enclosures (3)

Celebrating 20 Years of Water, Sanitation, and Health Action BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR THE FUTURE

The overarching theme of resilience will be central to the 2025 United Nations high-level intergovernmental meeting on advancing the water, sanitation, and health agenda in the pan- European region. While reecting on 20 years of achievements, the meeting will look forward towards building resilience in the face of a changing climate and to future-proof water and sanitation systems to protect health and environment now and for generations to come.

Incorporating a high-level segment and numerous technical side events, the meeting will set the ambitious agenda for water, sanitation and health in the pan-European region for the next 3 years.

Fővám square 11-12, Budapest, Hungary

https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol

5 November 2025 HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT

The high-level segment will bring together ministers, senior decision-makers, and stakeholders to renew political commitment to resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems. Participants will focus on opportunities and solutions for enhancing preparedness and resilience in face of climate change and other pressures and risks. The segment will celebrate 20 years since the Protocol entered into force, highlighting its legacy, successes and ongoing relevance.

5–7 November 2025 GENERAL SEGMENT

The General Segment will assess progress and dene the Protocol’s future direction. Delegates will review results across all programme areas and discuss proposed activities for the next 3 years. Emphasis will be placed on resilience-building and cross-sectoral integration in water, sanitation, and health. Partners will share experiences and align their eorts with Protocol objectives. Key outcomes will include approval of the programme of work for 2026–2028, launch of new publications, adoption of the Strategy for implementation of the Protocol and targets for nancial sustainability.

Technical side events on pressing water, sanitation and hygiene issues will be organized by various partners.

The Protocol on Water and Health is a unique legally-binding instrument aimed at attaining safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation and hygiene for everyone. Since its adoption in 1999 and entry into force in 2005, the Protocol has supported signicant progress in water, sanitation and health in the pan-European region. It is a powerful tool towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6, and implementing the Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, July 2023), at national and regional levels by promoting integration of policies and a holistic and preventive approach to water, sanitation, hygiene and health.

The Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol is held every 3 years. The meeting plays a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation, assessing progress, and identifying emerging challenges and opportunities related to water, sanitation, and health.

Contact the joint secretariat: UNECE: [email protected]

WHO Regional Oce for Europe: [email protected]

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION NOTE

MEETING VENUE

Bálna Conference Centre Fővám square 11-12 Budapest, Hungary Access to the meeting venue will only be granted to registered participants upon presentation of a badge.

Badges will be issued at the venue upon first entry, after presenting a valid passport. The venue is accessible to participants with reduced mobility. The meeting will be held at the Bálna Conference Centre. Bálna (Whale) is one of the most iconic buildings of Budapest. The building has a glass structure in the shape of a whale, giving a magnificent panoramic view to the Danube and the Buda side and it serves as a wonderful multifunctional space. In 2022, at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense and on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the Hungarian Forces, Bálna was transformed into a defense-themed center, offering an interactive exhibition to visitors.

SUMMARY OF DEADLINES

22 September Deadline for submission of applications for financial support, including a completed

financial support request form and registration in Indico

5 October Deadline for online registration in Indico (for all participants)

22 October Deadline for submission of scanned copies of credentials by email (for Parties)

22 October Deadline to inform the joint secretariat by email if a delegation is planning to deliver

a high-level statement from the floor during the high-level segment

29 October Deadline for submission of statements by delegations by email

5 November Deadline for presenting original credentials in Budapest (for Parties)

The above-mentioned submissions should be sent to the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]) within the specified deadlines.

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REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS

Countries and organizations are invited to designate their representative(s) by 5 October 2025. All participants are requested to register online by 5 October 2025, using the following link: https://indico.un.org/e/PWHMOP. To complete the registration, participants should follow these two steps:

Step 1: Create an Indico Account Step 2: Register for the Meeting in Indico

Please note that participation in the meeting is subject to approval by the joint secretariat. Should you encounter any issues with registration, please contact the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]).

CREDENTIALS

Only applicable to Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health In accordance with the rules of procedure for the meetings of the Parties to the Protocol, credentials of all representatives of Parties to the Protocol and the names of alternate representatives and advisers shall be submitted to the joint secretariat. To facilitate the procedure of verification of credentials, Parties are invited to inform the joint secretariat of the name(s) of their representative(s) at their earliest convenience. Credentials, which are issued either by the Head of State, the Head of Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs, or any other person duly empowered to do so by any of these, such as the Minister for Environment, should indicate the composition of the delegation, including the head of delegation, and should state that the respective delegation is empowered to participate in the meeting and take decisions on behalf of the respective Government, following the applicable rules of procedure. Credentials should list all official representatives of the corresponding Party. Parties are encouraged to include in the credentials the representatives of their embassies based in Budapest, Hungary. An example of credentials could be found here. A scanned copy of the credentials should be submitted to the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]) by 22 October 2025. The original credentials should be presented to the joint secretariat upon arrival on 5 November at the meeting venue in Budapest, prior to the opening of the 7th session. Countries that are not Parties to the Protocol do not need to submit credentials.

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CONFERENCE DETAILS Provisional Organization of Work

The 7th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health will start at 10:00 on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 and will end at 17:30 on Friday, 7 November 2025.

5 November 6 November 7 November

8:00- 10:00

Registration 8:30- 9:45

By invitation: Donor

breakfast Side events

10:00- 13:00

High-level segment 10:00- 13:00

General segment 10:00- 13:00

General segment

13:00- 15:00

By invitation: High-level

lunch

Side events (13:30-14:45)

& Lunch

13:00- 15:00

Side events (13:30-14:45) & Lunch

13:00- 15:00

Side events (13:30-14:45) & Lunch

15:00- 18:00

High-level segment (concluding part) 15:00-

18:00 General segment

15:00- 17:30

General segment

General segment

Dinner Reception

All official sessions will be organized in the form of a plenary. More information on the programme will become available on the meeting’s webpage (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol) in due course.

Statements During the Meeting

Representatives are invited to contribute to the plenary discussions. Speakers are asked to limit the length of their interventions to three minutes during the high-level segment and two minutes during the general segment. The Chair will strictly enforce these time limits. Delegations are asked to inform the joint secretariat by 29 October 2025 if they intend to make a statement and to specify under which agenda item(s). Statements should be submitted to the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]) prior to the meeting, in order to facilitate the work of the interpreters. In case of insufficient time for all interventions to be delivered, submitted statements will be made available on the meeting’s webpage (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol). For participation in the high-level segment, delegations planning to deliver a high-level statement from the floor during the interactive discussion are invited to inform the joint secretariat by 22 October 2025, indicating the panel after which they wish to intervene. For more information, please see the Concept Note of the High-Level Segment.

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Documents

All official and informal documents for the meeting will be made available on the webpage of the 7th session of the Meeting of the Parties (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol). The meeting will follow a PaperSmart model. Therefore, participants are asked to bring their own copies of documents or laptops. Internet access will be provided during the meeting. No paper copies of documents will be available in the meeting room.

Working Languages

Simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Russian will be provided during all plenary sessions.

Livestreaming of the Meeting

The meeting will be livestreamed in all three languages. The connection link will be provided closer to the event.

SIDE EVENTS

A programme of side events, organized by various partners and addressing pressing WASH-related challenges, will complement the official agenda. Detailed information will be made available on the meeting’s webpage (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol) closer to the event date.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Limited funds are available to support participation of nominated representatives from UNECE- WHO/Europe countries eligible for financial support. Applications for financial support should be submitted together with the financial support request form duly signed by an authorized high-level official and registration in Indico (https://indico.un.org/e/PWHMOP) to the joint secretariat ([email protected]) as soon as possible, but no later than 22 September 2025. No late requests will be considered. Up to two participants per country (one from water/environment sector, the other one from the health sector) may be eligible for support. Priority consideration will be given to Parties to the Protocol, countries represented at ministerial level, countries in accession, and presenters. The joint secretariat will inform in early October whether applications have been accepted. Countries and organizations are encouraged to look for additional sources of funding through their institutions’ budget, national projects and partners, as the joint secretariat may not be able to respond positively to all requests.

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TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

All participants are personally responsible for obtaining adequate travel medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Hungary. The organizers will not be liable for any medical expenses incurred during or in connection with the meeting.

VISA FACILITATION

Please indicate clearly in the Indico registration form if a personal invitation letter for visa purposes is needed. Hungary joined the Schengen Area on 21 December 2007. From that time, visas and residence permits issued by one of the Member States are valid also for Hungary, and visas/residence permits issued by Hungarian authorities are as a general rule also valid for the entire Schengen Area. Holders of passports issued by the countries, entities or territories listed on the following website are granted visa-free travel to Hungary (please pay attention to the type of passport): https://konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu/en/visa-free- travel-hungary. Participants who need a visa to enter Hungary are advised to submit their application to the competent Hungarian mission as early as possible, and no later than 4 weeks before the intended travel.

Documents needed upon visa applications:

• Completed visa application form;

• Travel document with at least two empty pages. The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen territory.

• Travel medical insurance (covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization and repatriation. The minimum cover should be of 30,000 EUR. This insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the duration of the stay).

• Flight / travel reservations or other proof of intended transport: Reservation(s) - Bus, Train, Plane, Vehicle, Ferry etc. - must include PNR (reservation number) or ticket number, name of the passenger(s) and travel dates. In case of travel to more than one country, city/country transfers must be shown in the application.

• Travel itinerary and hotel reservation. If the invitation letter does not include evidence of a hotel booking, the reservation must contain a confirmation number and the name(s) of the passenger(s). Reservations without a name or reservation number will not be accepted.

• Proof of means of subsistence: e.g., bank account statement on the account turnover during the last three months, and proof of regular income e.g., salary slips of the last three months (or similar).

• An email confirmation of Indico registration approval from the joint secretariat and an official invitation from the host country (Hungary), received after registration, and a certification issued by the delegating organization.

• Visa fee (90 EUR). Participants from UNECE Member States are exempt from paying visa fees.

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ACCOMMODATION

Participants are responsible for booking and covering the costs of their accommodation. The Hungarian organization team offers the following hotels with negotiated rates for participants of the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties, which are close to the meeting venue and easily accessible by public transport. Please find detailed hotel descriptions and a map here. Reservations shall be made individually by the participants by using the links below. Please set arrival and departure date according to your choice. Bookings must be guaranteed by a credit card, providing the card number and the expiration date. Please note that the pre-booked rooms at preferential rates are only available until stated below. From that date, reservation will be subject to room’s availability and general conditions will apply.

Mercure Budapest Korona Address: H-1053 Budapest, Kecskeméti str. 14. Room rates: - single room: 139 EUR/night - double room: 149 EUR/night Reservation: Mercure Budapest Korona**** Deadline: reservation upon availability

Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center Address: H-1053 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos str. 19-21. Room rates: 15% discount from daily rates Reservation: https://www.danubiushotels.com/en/vej2025 Deadline: reservation upon availability

Cloe Hotel Budapest Address: H-1056 Budapest, Só str. 4. Room rates: - single standard room: 94 EUR/night

- single superior room: 109 EUR/night - double occupancy: extra 15 EUR/night

Reservation: https://chloehotelbudapest.com/book-now/ promotion code: VEJ2025 Deadline: 2nd October

Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel Address: H- 1092 Budapest, Hőgyes Endre str. 4. Room rates: premium or superior room: 99 EUR/night (single occupancy) Reservation: threecornerslifestylehotel.book-online.now Deadline: 31st October

Ibis Styles Budapest City Address: H-1095 Budapest, Soroksári str. 12. Room rates: - single design room: 90 EUR/night - double design room: 96 EUR/night Reservation: accor.com/ibisstylesbudapestcity Deadline: 3rd October

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MEALS AND RECEPTION

During all three days of the meeting, the Government of Hungary will offer refreshments at the meeting venue. Lunch services will also be arranged at the meeting venue. On the evening of the first day of the meeting (Wednesday, 5 November), the Ministry of Interior on behalf of the Government of Hungary will host an official dinner reception for all participants, accompanied by a cultural program.

TRANSFER FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY

Participants who arrive with a commercial flight will arrive at Terminal 2A or 2B of Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Please note that no shuttle service will be provided by the organisers, so participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Budapest Airport Shuttle Service

Budapest Airport itself offers an airport shuttle service for an extra fee, called MiniBUD. (Information on the shuttle services can be found at: www.minibud.hu)

Public Transport (Budapest Transport Centre – BKK)

Public transport bus line 100E Airport Express provides a direct and fast connection to the city centre. Single ticket costs 2,200 HUF (approximately €5.50-6), tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines at the airport. For more information regarding public transportation within the city, please consult the website of BKK, where you can also learn about the costs of different types of tickets and information on public transport routes: https://bkk.hu/en/

Taxi

At your landing spot, Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, you have the opportunity to book a taxi to get you to your accommodation. The official partner of Budapest Airport is Főtaxi (Tel: +36 1 222 2 222, information on taxi services can be found at: https://fotaxi.hu/en/). Főtaxi operates a designated office outside of both arrival terminals.

Transfer for VIPs

Ministers, Vice-Ministers, and State Secretaries of Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health and other United Nations Member States will be welcomed at Budapest Airport. Their transfers to and from the airport will be arranged by the organizers.

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ABOUT HUNGARY

• Official name: Hungary

• State form: Republic

• Area: 93,022 km2

• Population: 9,584,627 (2024)

• Neighbouring countries: Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia

• Official language: Hungarian

• Capital and largest city: Budapest (population: 1,729,040)

Hungary, located in the heart of Central Europe, is known for its distinctive language and rich cultural heritage. Hungary is often referred to as the “land of waters,” it is home to Lake Balaton — the largest lake in Central Europe — and over a thousand thermal springs across the country. The capital, Budapest, offers an eclectic and unique atmosphere with a mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Classical architectural styles. Budapest, united by the River Danube, with hills and valleys on one side and plains on the other, connected with a series of graceful bridges, offers a unique panorama, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In Budapest, the average November temperature does not rise above 7 °C, with a chance of frost by dawn. The weather is generally windy and rainy, so it is recommended to dress warmly. About Hungary: https://visithungary.com/ Emergency number: 112 (ambulance, police, fire brigade) Country code: +36 (Hungary) Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz Local time: GMT +2:00 – Central European Summer Time (CEST) Currency: HUF – Hungarian Forint (official currency) For official daily exchange rates, please consult the website of the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (National Bank of Hungary): https://www.mnb.hu/en/arfolyamok

CONTACT DETAILS

For advice on substantive or programme-related matters: [email protected] and [email protected]

For issues related to financial support and registration: [email protected]

For visa information (Please send requests to both of the e-mail addresses indicated below): Fanni Klaudia Mosolygó- [email protected]; +36 (1) 441 1896 Nelli Benefi-Zatureczki – [email protected]; +36 (1) 999 4840

For information on accommodation: [email protected]

Economic Commission for Europe World Health Organization

Regional Office for Europe

Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on

Water and Health to the Convention on

the Protection and Use of Transboundary

Watercourses and International Lakes

Seventh session

Budapest, 5–7 November 2025

Item 1 of the provisional agenda

Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda

Annotated provisional agenda for the seventh session

To be held at Bálna Conference Centre, Budapest, starting on

Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at 10 a.m.*

I. Provisional agenda

High-level segment

1. Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda.

2. High-level segment: “Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer and healthier

future”.

3. Status of ratification of the Protocol and report on credentials.

4. Elections of the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the seventh session of the Meeting of the

Parties and other members of the Bureau.

General segment

5. Global and regional context: Relevant processes on water, sanitation, hygiene and

health.

* In accordance with United Nations accreditation procedures, participants are requested to complete

the online registration procedure available on the web page for the seventh session

(https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol) as soon as possible, but by no later than 5 October 2025.

Registration is available through the following link: https://indico.un.org/e/PWHMOP. For assistance

with registration, please see the instructions on the meeting web page or contact the joint secretariat

by email ([email protected]).

United NationsECE/MP.WH/26−EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

Economic and Social Council Distr.: General

13 August 2025

Original: English

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6. Review of past activities and discussion of future activities in the different areas of

work:

(a) Improving governance for water and health through setting targets,

implementing measures and reporting;

(b) Increasing resilience to climate change;

(c) Safe management of water supply and sanitation systems;

(d) Small-scale water supply and sanitation;

(e) Compliance procedure;

(f) Prevention and reduction of water-related diseases;

(g) Water, sanitation and hygiene in institutional settings and public places;

(h) Equitable access to water and sanitation: Translating the human rights to water

and sanitation into practice;

(i) Raising awareness on the Protocol and facilitating accession.

7. Looking to the future:

(a) Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health;

(b) System of financial targets under the Protocol.

8. Programme of work for 2026–2028, terms of reference of bodies established to

implement it, resources needed and partnerships for its implementation.

9. Dates and venue of the eighth session of the Meeting of the Parties.

10. Other business.

11. Adoption of the report.

12. Closing of the session.

II. Annotations

1. The seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health

to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and

International Lakes (Water Convention) will be held from 5 to 7 November 2025 at Bálna

Conference Centre, Budapest, at the invitation of the Government of Hungary.

2. The session will comprise a high-level segment followed by a general segment. The

high-level segment, addressing agenda items 1–4, will be held on the morning and afternoon

of Wednesday, 5 November, starting at 10 a.m. The general segment, addressing agenda

items 5–12, will start on Wednesday, 5 November, at 3.50 p.m. and run until 5.30 p.m. on

Friday, 7 November.

3. Various side events will be organized during the meeting; a detailed programme of

said side events will be made available in October 2025. Practical and logistical information

on the meeting and the relevant meeting documentation will be made available in due course

on a dedicated page on the Protocol’s website.1

1 See https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol.

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High-level segment

1. Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 10–10.45 a.m.

4. A high-level representative of Hungary will open the session. Mr. Sándor Pintér, the

Minister for the Interior, will make an opening statement.

5. Following a statement by a high-level official of the United Nations, the Executive

Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and the World

Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe will address the Meeting of the

Parties.

6. The Meeting of the Parties is expected to adopt its agenda as set out in the present

document.

Documentation

Annotated provisional agenda for the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties

(ECE/MP.WH/26–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03)

Organization of work (informal document)

2. High-level segment: “Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer

and healthier future”

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 10.45 a.m.–1 p.m.

7. The year 2025 marks the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Protocol

on Water and Health. From its adoption, the Protocol has offered countries in the pan-

European region a robust institutional and legal framework supporting them in meeting their

national and international commitments regarding water, sanitation, hygiene and health,

including those set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Declaration

of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, 5–7 July

2023). The Protocol has also steered the progressive realization of the human rights to safe

drinking water and sanitation as recognized by the General Assembly in its resolutions

64/292 (A/RES/64/292) and 70/169 (A/RES/70/169).

8. The Protocol’s success is underscored by its expanding membership, evidence of its

growing relevance and appeal across the region. The high-level segment will honour those

countries that have acceded to the Protocol since the sixth session of the Meeting of the

Parties (Geneva, 16–18 November 2022) – North Macedonia and Uzbekistan.

9. The high-level segment will take stock of the significant progress catalysed by the

Protocol across the pan-European region in the past two decades. Access to safely managed

drinking water and sanitation services has improved markedly. The impacts of climate

change on water and sanitation service provision have moved to the forefront of policy and

planning efforts. Equitable access to water and sanitation has gained increased policy

traction, and health systems have been further strengthened to prevent and respond to water-

related disease incidents and outbreaks. At the same time, the high-level segment will invite

open dialogue on how to tackle persisting gaps across the region and respond to global trends

and challenges – including climate change, environmental degradation, demographic shifts,

ageing infrastructure and cyber threats targeting water systems. It will also explore the

potential opportunities associated with digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence.

10. Building sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services

through strategic action under the Protocol on Water and Health is the overarching theme of

the proposed programme of work for 2026–2028. To that end, the high-level segment will

focus on examining the role of water and sanitation systems as foundational pillars for

resilience and health security in the face of mounting global challenges. As the impacts of

climate change intensify, health emergencies become more frequent and environmental

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degradation continues, the ability of communities, health systems and economies to

withstand and recover from shocks is under increasing pressure. Investment in safe, resilient

and equitable water and sanitation systems is vital in protecting public health, maintaining

essential services, preserving water resources and ecosystems, and reducing vulnerability

across sectors.

11. The multiple dimensions of resilience and their relevance to the water, sanitation and

health agenda will be unpacked and presented at the start of the discussions. The high-level

segment will feature high-level representatives from countries and international

organizations, as well as non-governmental partners. Discussions will address the diverse

challenges affecting the resilience of water and sanitation services in different contexts, the

implications for communities, health systems and economies, and explore solutions to ensure

the continuity and safety of these essential services – for example, during natural disasters,

health emergencies, or climate change-related impacts. The outcomes of the conversation

will inform the future strategic directions of the Protocol.

12. Discussions during the high-level segment will take place in several interactive

formats, including opportunities for delegations to take the floor and contribute to the

deliberations. Interventions and statements should not exceed three minutes. To facilitate the

running of the high-level segment, delegations planning to make a statement are invited to

inform the secretariat in advance.

13. The high-level segment will offer a valuable opportunity to share national experiences

and perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and promote integrated approaches that embed

water, sanitation and hygiene within broader policies for climate adaptation, emergency

preparedness and strengthening of health systems. The outcomes of the high-level segment

will feed into the preparatory process for the United Nations 2026 Water Conference (United

Arab Emirates, 2–4 December 2026).

Documentation

The Protocol on Water and Health: Driving Action on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and

Health (United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/21)

Programme of the high-level segment: “Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer

and healthier future” (informal document)

3. Status of ratification of the Protocol and report on credentials

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 3–3.30 p.m.

14. The joint secretariat will inform the Meeting of the Parties about the status of

ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health.

15. Delegates from States or regional economic integration organizations not yet Party to

the Protocol will be invited to briefly present their plans to ratify, accept, approve or accede

to the Protocol.

16. In accordance with rule 15 of the rules of procedure for the meetings of the Parties to

the Protocol (ECE/MP.WH/2/Add.1–EUR/06/5069385/1/Add.1), the Bureau will report on

the credentials submitted by the Parties.2 Parties to the Protocol are therefore invited to inform

the secretariat of the name(s) of their representative(s) at their earliest convenience, and to

submit the credentials or a copy thereof to the ECE secretariat by 22 October 2025. Those

Parties that have submitted a copy of the credentials should present the originals to the

2 Credentials are required for all Parties to the Protocol. Credentials are issued by either the Head of

State, the Head of Government, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, or any other person duly empowered

to do so by any of these, such as the Minister for Environment. Credentials should indicate the

composition of the delegation, including the head of delegation, and state that the respective

delegation is empowered to participate in the Meeting of the Parties and take decisions on behalf of

the respective Government, following the applicable rules of procedure. Credentials should list all

official representatives of the corresponding Party.

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secretariat before the opening of the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties, on arrival

at the meeting in Budapest.

Documentation

Status of ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health (informal document)

4. Elections of the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the seventh session of the

Meeting of the Parties and other members of the Bureau

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 3.30–3.50 p.m.

17. In accordance with rule 17 (1) and (2) of its rules of procedure, the Meeting of the

Parties will elect a Chair and two Vice-Chairs. The Meeting of the Parties will then elect

additional officers to serve as members of the Bureau. The Chair, Vice-Chairs and Bureau

members will remain in office until the next elections at the eighth session of the Meeting of

the Parties.

General segment

5. Global and regional context: Relevant processes on water, sanitation,

hygiene and health

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 3.50–4.30 p.m.

18. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed about relevant global and regional

processes and initiatives on water, sanitation, hygiene and health. In particular, participants

will be informed about the preparatory process for the 2026 United Nations Water

Conference to Accelerate the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (United

Arab Emirates, 2–4 December 2026), co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.

The Meeting will then discuss how the Protocol, including its tools and country-level

implementation, can support the objectives and expected outcomes of the Conference.

19. The Meeting of the Parties will be briefed on the United Nations System-wide

Strategy for Water and Sanitation and its implementation efforts of relevance to the Protocol.

20. The Meeting of the Parties will also be informed about the status of the

implementation of the water-, sanitation- and hygiene-related targets of the Sustainable

Development Goals.

21. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the commitments on environment and

health adopted at the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest,

5–7 July 2023), including the synergies with the Protocol on Water and Health.

22. A representative of the European Union will be invited to brief the Meeting of the

Parties on relevant legal and policy developments in the European Union, in particular the

European Union Water Resilience Strategy3 and the recast Urban Wastewater Treatment

Directive,4 and possible synergies with work carried out under the Protocol.

Documentation

Summary of proceedings by the President of the General Assembly: United Nations

Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives

of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–20285

3 See https://commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/water-resilience-strategy_en.

4 Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024

concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast), Official Journal of the European Union, L series,

2024/3019(2024).

5 Available at https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4012972?v=pdf

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General Assembly resolution 78/327 entitled Modalities of the 2026 United Nations Water

Conference to Accelerate the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure

availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (A/RES/78/327)

Preparatory Process of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference: Note by the Secretary-

General of the Conference6

Themes of the interactive dialogues of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference to

Accelerate the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure availability and

sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (A/79/L.101)

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation (2024)7

Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (WHO

Regional Office for Europe, EURO/Budapest2023/6)

Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: 2000–2024 – Special

Focus on Inequalities (WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2025)

6. Review of past activities and discussion of future activities in the

different areas of work

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 4.30–6 p.m., Thursday, 6 November, 10 a.m.–1

p.m. and 3–6 p.m., and Friday, 7 November, 10–11.30 a.m.

23. The Meeting of the Parties will review the achievements, lessons learned and

challenges encountered under the current programme of work for 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/24/Add.1–EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/06/Add.1), while also taking

stock of the impacts made and the practical results achieved in the various areas of work over

the 20 years since the Protocol’s entry into force. Discussions on specific areas of the

programme of work will take place in a variety of formats, including panel discussions, round

tables, interviews and presentations. In addition to country representatives, partners will also

be invited to contribute to discussions on the programme areas in which they are involved.

24. The Meeting of the Parties will also examine proposals for activities under the

programme of work for 2026−2028. Under each programme area, country delegates will be

invited to express interest in organizing national, subregional and/or regional capacity-

building events in the forthcoming triennium. A discussion on the overall programme of work

for 2026–2028 will take place under agenda item 8.

25. At the outset, representatives of ECE and WHO/Europe will inform the Meeting of

the Parties about the financial situation in both organizations and the corresponding

implications for the Protocol.

Documentation

Report on the implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/1–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/07)

Draft programme of work for 2026–2028, including an overview of resource requirements

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/2–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/08)

Overview of contributions and expenditures for the period 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/3–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/09)

6 Available at https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2025-

06/Conference%20SG%20Background%20Note%20for%209%20July%20PGA%20session_12%20J

une.pdf.

7 Available at www.unwater.org/publications/united-nations-system-wide-strategy-water-and-

sanitation.

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(a) Improving governance for water and health through setting targets, implementing

measures and reporting

Tentative timing: Wednesday, 5 November, 4.30–6 p.m.

26. The Chair of the Task Force on Target Setting and Reporting will present the

outcomes of the work of the Task Force in the past triennium, speaking on behalf of the lead

Parties for this programme area: Portugal, Romania and Switzerland. In this regard, the

Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the outcomes of the thirteenth and fourteenth

meetings of the Task Force on Target Setting and Reporting (Geneva, 14 November 2023,

and Budapest, 12–13 December 2024, respectively). The outcomes of the subregional

workshop “Increasing climate resilience of water and sanitation sector in the Mediterranean

Region” (Lisbon, 4–5 June 2024) will highlight good practices in increasing the resilience of

the water and sanitation sectors in countries involved through the setting of climate-sensitive

targets using the Protocol’s tools and by implementing measures.

27. With reference to article 6 (3) of the Protocol, countries that have achieved substantial

progress in setting, revising and/or implementing their national targets in the period 2023–

2025 will be invited to report on their achievements.

28. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the benefits and specific challenges

encountered throughout the target-setting, revision or implementation processes, as well as

the impacts made. Participants will share effective solutions and lessons learned. In addition,

participants will be invited to highlight how other areas of work under the Protocol have

influenced target setting at the national and local levels, and vice versa.

29. The Meeting will further be informed of key milestones reached through dedicated

projects on improving governance on water and health at the national level, including

“Strengthening action in Uzbekistan on water and sanitation and protection of water

resources from accidental pollution in the face of climate change” and “Improving water,

sanitation, hygiene and health through implementation of the programme of work of the

Protocol on Water and Health” with beneficiary countries in Central Asia.

30. The Meeting of the Parties will be provided with an overview of the national summary

reports submitted in the sixth reporting cycle and invited to review the implementation of the

Protocol. The Meeting of the Parties is also expected to take note of reports submitted by

signatories and other States not Party to the Protocol.

31. The Meeting of the Parties will also discuss the main trends, challenges and solutions

emerging from the reporting exercise of 2024–2025. It may also discuss the use of the online

reporting system in the sixth reporting cycle.

32. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Overview of national summary reports submitted by Parties and other States (informal

document)

(b) Increasing resilience to climate change

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 10–11 a.m.

33. The lead countries, Italy and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will present the

outcomes and impacts of activities related to increasing resilience to climate change in the

past triennium. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the strategic

paper Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Sector through

the Protocol on Water and Health, developed to support policymakers, regulators and service

providers. The Meeting will also discuss the document “Mainstreaming water supply,

sanitation, transboundary water management and cooperation into Nationally Determined

Contributions and National Adaptation Plans”, which provides countries with practical

recommendations for strengthening water and sanitation aspects of their national climate

policies, and will reflect on its implementation.

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34. The Meeting of the Parties will consider the overall impact achieved within this

programme area and will discuss the progress made by the Parties and other States,

challenges encountered by them in strengthening resilience to climate change and practical

experiences gained from using the tools developed under the Protocol. It will also reflect on

the need to integrate climate change considerations across the thematic priorities of the

programme of work. The discussion will also underscore the importance of integrating water

and sanitation resilience considerations into broader development and climate agendas,

including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process.

35. The lead countries will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for

the period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Drinking Water and Sanitation Sector through the

Protocol on Water and Health (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2024)

Mainstreaming water supply, sanitation, transboundary water management and cooperation

into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans (informal

document)

Outcomes statements from the Global workshop on increasing climate resilience with focus

on floods and health on the transboundary and national levels (Geneva, 19–20 March 2025)

(informal document)

(c) Safe management of water supply and sanitation systems

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 11 a.m.–noon

36. The lead Parties, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will

present the outcomes and impacts of activities related to safe management of water supply

and sanitation systems. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be briefed on the scope

and key outcomes of the Workshop on safe sanitation for public health protection in Central

Asia (Astana, 3–5 June 2025) and the Workshop on water safety plan auditing (Split, Croatia,

6–7 May 2024), both promoting the uptake of risk-based management approaches for water

and sanitation services in policy and practice.

37. The Meeting of the Parties will also be updated on various capacity-building

initiatives at the national level relating to the implementation of water safety plan (WSP) and

sanitation safety plan (SSP) approaches, as well as quantitative microbial risk assessment.

38. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties, as well as

to the experience gained from using the practical tools developed under the Protocol on Water

and Health to support the uptake of risk-based management of water and sanitation services,

such as WSP and SSP approaches. The discussion will also refer to the global context, with

particular reference to the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality: Fourth Edition

Incorporating the First and Second Addenda8and the WHO Guidelines on Sanitation and

Health,9and consider the synergies involved in implementing risk-based approaches in

accordance with the European Union Drinking Water Directive10 and the European Union

Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

39. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

8 WHO, Geneva, 2022.

9 WHO, Geneva, 2018.

10 Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on

the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast), Official Journal of the European Union,

L 435 (2020), pp. 1–62.

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Report of the Workshop on safe sanitation for public health protection in Central Asia

(Astana, 3–4 June 2025) (informal document)

A road map for advancing sanitation regulation (WHO, 2025)

Steps to achieve universal access to safely managed sanitation (WHO, 2025)

(d) Small-scale water supply and sanitation

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, noon–1 p.m.

40. The lead Parties, Germany and Serbia, will present the outcomes and impacts of

activities related to small-scale water supply and sanitation. In particular, the Meeting of the

Parties will be briefed on the main findings of the review of targets and country activities on

small-scale water supply and sanitation systems, summarized in the report Small-scale

Sanitation and Water Supply Systems: Driving Country Action Towards Safer Services. The

Meeting of the Parties will then be invited to endorse the publication.

41. The Meeting of the Parties will also be updated by the lead Parties, together with the

Kingdom of the Netherlands, on ongoing efforts to develop integrated water and sanitation

safety plans for small-scale systems in rural areas. Lead Parties will also report on efforts to

raise awareness of the importance of safely managing on-site sanitation, including the

development of the publication Towards Safer On-site Sanitation in the Pan-European

Region.

42. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties, as well as

to the experience gained from using the practical tools developed under the Protocol on Water

and Health to support an improved policy environment and adopt risk-based management

and surveillance for small-scale systems. The discussion will also refer to the global context,

with particular reference to the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality: Small Water

Supplies and the associated sanitary inspection packages, as well as the global

WHO/UNICEF initiative on ensuring safely managed on-site sanitation systems.

43. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Small-scale Sanitation and Water Supply Systems: Driving Country Action Towards Safer

Services (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Annotated outline of the publication: Towards Safer On-site Sanitation in the Pan-European

Region (informal document)

Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality: Small Water Supplies (Geneva, WHO, 2024)

Sanitary Inspection Packages: A Supporting Tool for the Guidelines for Drinking Water

Quality: Small Water Supplies (Geneva, WHO, 2024)

(e) Compliance procedure

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 3–4 p.m.

44. The representative of the Compliance Committee under the Protocol will report on

the Committee’s activities in the past triennium, in particular, the outcomes of the review of

compliance with the obligation to set targets and target dates under article 6 of the Protocol,

support provided by the Committee to the reporting exercise through the development of the

document “Comments and annotations by the Compliance Committee to the template for

summary reports in accordance with article 7 of the Protocol on Water and Health” and the

development of the interpretive note focusing on the key provisions of the Protocol relating

to public health.

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45. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to take note of the Committee’s report,

including any general recommendations contained therein, and to consider and adopt a draft

decision on general issues of compliance, prepared by the Committee.

46. Parties will be invited to express interest in undertaking a consultation with the

Committee under the Consultation Process in the period 2026–2028, as part of the future

programme of work.

47. The Meeting of the Parties is expected to elect four members of the Compliance

Committee, in accordance with the procedure set out in the annex to decision I/2 on review

of compliance (ECE/MP.WH/2/Add.3–EUR/06/5069385/1/Add.3).

Documentation

Report of the Compliance Committee to the Meeting of Parties, including the draft decision

on general issues of compliance (ECE/MP.WH/2025/4–

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/10)

The Protocol on Water and Health and the protection of public health: Interpretive note on

the provisions of the Protocol related to public health (ECE/MP.WH/2025/7–

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/13)

List of nominated candidates for the Compliance Committee, together with curricula vitae

and supporting documentation (informal document)

(f) Prevention and reduction of water-related diseases

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 4–5 p.m.

48. The lead Parties, Belarus and Norway, will present the outcomes and impacts of

activities related to the prevention and reduction of water-related diseases. In particular, the

Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the objectives and main content of the

publication Prevalence of Legionella as a Waterborne Pathogen and its Impacts in the Pan-

European Region, addressing a leading course of water-related disease in the region. The

Meeting of the Parties will then be invited to endorse the publication.

49. The Meeting of the Parties will also be updated on various capacity-building

initiatives at the national and subregional levels, including through the Workshop on

wastewater and environmental surveillance for public health in Central Asia (Astana, 5 June

2025) and the Meeting on risk-based drinking-water surveillance in Nordic-Baltic countries

(Tallinn, 24–26 April 2024), as well as the provision of a training package on surveillance of

drinking water using risk-based approaches. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to

endorse the training package.

50. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties in meeting

the core provisions of Protocol article 6 (5) (c) on the monitoring and enforcement of drinking

water quality standards, and article 8 on the strengthening of surveillance and outbreak

response systems for water-related disease, as well as to the experiences gained from using

the practical tools developed under the Protocol to support such efforts. The discussion will

also refer to the Protocol’s role in promoting the uptake of wastewater and environmental

surveillance as a public health tool, and consider the synergies involved in implementing

risk-based surveillance approaches in accordance with the European Union Drinking Water

Directive (2020) and the European Union Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (2024).

51. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Report of the Meeting on risk-based drinking-water surveillance in Nordic-Baltic countries

(Tallinn, 24–26 April 2024) (informal document)

Report of the Workshop on wastewater and environmental surveillance for public health in

Central Asia (Astana, 5 June 2025) (informal document)

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Prevalence of Legionella as a Waterborne Pathogen and its Impacts in the Pan-European

Region (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Training package on water-related disease surveillance (Russian-language version) (WHO

Regional Office for Europe, 2024)

Training package on risk-based drinking-water surveillance (WHO Regional Office for

Europe, 2025)

(g) Water, sanitation and hygiene in institutional settings and public places

Tentative timing: Thursday, 6 November, 5–6 p.m.

52. The lead Parties, Hungary, Lithuania, North Macedonia and the Republic of Moldova,

and the lead country, Georgia, will present the outcomes and impacts of activities related to

water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in institutions, with a particular focus on healthcare

facilities and schools, as well as hand hygiene in public places.

53. In the context of schools, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the key

outcomes of the Subregional workshop on water, sanitation and hygiene in schools (Astana,

11–13 December 2023), as well as the communication and advocacy efforts aimed at

advancing menstrual health in schools. The Meeting will also be updated on the outcomes of

the hybrid conference on “Good practices in hand hygiene and menstrual health in schools in

the pan-European region” (Kaunas, Lithuania, 5 September 2024), as well as the objectives

and main content of the publication Healthy Habits, Healthy Schools: Good Practices for

Hand Hygiene and Menstrual Health in Schools in the Pan-European Region. The Meeting

of the Parties will then be invited to endorse the publication.

54. In the context of healthcare facilities, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed of

the key outcomes of the Meeting on water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities in

the WHO European Region (Budapest, 2–4 July 2025), as well as of the objectives and main

content of the publication Improving Quality of Care through Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Services: Highlights and Progress in the Pan-European Region.

55. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the overall impact achieved in this

programme area. Consideration will be given to the progress made by the Parties, as well as

to the experience gained from using the practical tools developed under the Protocol on Water

and Health to improve the surveillance and management of WASH in healthcare facilities

and schools. Contributions to the shaping of the WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in

Community Settings will also be considered. The discussion will also refer to the Protocol’s

role in the global context, with particular reference to World Health Assembly resolution

72.7 on water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities11 and General Assembly

resolution 78/130 on sustainable, safe and universal water, sanitation, hygiene, waste and

electricity services in healthcare facilities (A/RES/78/130).

56. The lead Parties and country will introduce suggested future work in this programme

area for the period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Healthy Habits, Healthy Schools: Good Practices for Hand Hygiene and Menstrual Health

in Schools in the Pan-European Region (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Water, sanitation and hygiene in schools: Key insights from the third subregional workshop

(Astana, 11–13 December 2023) (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2024)

Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools 2015–2023: Special Focus

on Menstrual Health (New York, UNICEF and WHO, 2024)

11 WHO, Seventy-second World Health Assembly, Geneva, 20–28 May 2019 – Resolutions and

decisions: Annexes, WHA72/2019/REC/1, resolution WHA72.7.

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Improving Quality of Care through Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services: Highlights and

Progress in the Pan-European Region (WHO Regional Office for Europe, forthcoming)

National situational analysis of water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities in

Montenegro: summary report (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Report of the Meeting on water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities in the WHO

European Region (Budapest, 2–4 July 2025) (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025)

Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Healthcare

Facilities: 2023 Data Update and Special Focus on Primary Healthcare (WHO and

UNICEF, 2024)

Implementation of the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH

FIT): Global Report (WHO and UNICEF, 2025)

Essential Services for Quality Care: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Healthcare Waste and

Electricity Services in Healthcare Facilities: Global Progress Report (WHO and UNICEF,

2025)

(h) Equitable access to water and sanitation: Translating the human rights to water and

sanitation into practice

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 10–11 a.m.

57. The lead Parties France, Hungary and North Macedonia will present the outcomes and

impacts of activities related to equitable access to water and sanitation over the past

triennium, with a focus on the launch of the Equitable Access Score-card 2.0: Shaping Water

and Sanitation Policies to Achieve the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation. The lead

Parties, together with Germany, will present the Policy Brief. Water for All: Embedding

Equity in Drinking Water Policies, synthesizing good practices in taking policy action.

58. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed of the self-assessments on equitable

access to water and sanitation conducted in Montenegro, Albania and Georgia and the

subsequent actions taken in those countries. Key outcomes of the seventh meeting of the

Expert Group on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation under the Protocol on Water and

Health (online, 28–29 May 2024) and the Regional workshop on equitable access to water

and sanitation (Budapest, 11–12 December 2025) will inform the discussion on activities in

this programme area.

59. The Meeting of the Parties will take stock of the Protocol’s contribution over the past

20 years in translating the human rights to water and sanitation into practice and how the

Protocol’s tools, such as The Equitable Access Score-card and targeted policy guidance, have

helped countries identify and address inequalities and strengthen affordability policies.

60. Representatives of Parties and non-Parties that have applied The Equitable Access

Score-card and the Guidance Note on the Development of Action Plans to Ensure Equitable

Access to Water and Sanitation12 will report on the progress they have made in assessing

equitable access to water and sanitation, implementing actions to improve it, and aligning

with the European Union Drinking Water Directive and Urban Wastewater Treatment

Directive.

61. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the

period 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

The Equitable Access Score-card 2.0: Shaping Water and Sanitation Policies to Achieve the

Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/25)

Policy Brief. Water for All: Embedding Equity in Drinking Water Policies (WHO Regional

Office for Europe, 2025)

12 United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/15.

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Outcome document of the Regional Workshop on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

under the Protocol on Water and Health: Strengthening regional WASH efforts through

Protocol tools (Budapest, 11–12 December 2024) (informal document)

Country report: Montenegro Self-assessment on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

(informal document)

Country report: Albania Self-assessment on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

(informal document)

Country report: Georgia Self-assessment on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation

(informal document)

(i) Raising awareness on the Protocol and facilitating accession

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 11–11.30 a.m.

62. The joint secretariat will report on the activities and projects undertaken to raise

awareness of the Protocol and to promote accession, including through active engagement in

international and regional events.

63. A representative of the ECE secretariat will report on the support for implementation

of the Protocol provided by the ECE-led National Policy Dialogues through several projects

funded by the European Union and other donors.

64. A representative of the WHO/Europe secretariat will brief participants on assistance

provided to member States through the framework of biennial collaborative agreements and

country cooperation strategies to support the Protocol’s work.

65. The joint secretariat will introduce suggested future activities for the period 2026–

2028. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities.

Documentation

Status of ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health (informal document)

7. Looking to the future

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 11.30 a.m.–1 p.m.

(a) Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health

66. A representative of the Bureau of the Meeting of the Parties will present the draft

Strategy for implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health, prepared by the Bureau

and reviewed by the Working Group on Water and Health. The meeting will review the draft

Strategy and will be invited to adopt it and discuss ways to ensure its implementation.

(b) System of financial targets under the Protocol

67. The Meeting of the Parties will review the financial situation of the Protocol with a

view to ensuring the financial sustainability of its work. To this end, the joint secretariat will

provide an overview of the financial resources that were made available for the

implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025, highlighting specific challenges

encountered as a result of lack of funds, and introduce the overview of resource requirements

for 2026–2028. The Meeting of the Parties will also be informed about the staffing situation

in the ECE and WHO/Europe component parts of the joint secretariat, and will then be invited

to discuss it.

68. A representative of the Bureau of the Meeting of the Parties will present the draft

decision on targets for financial sustainability of the work under the Protocol on Water and

Health, prepared by the Bureau, in consultation with the Working Group on Water and

Health, following the request to prepare a draft decision on strengthening financial

sustainability of the work under the Protocol made by the Meeting of the Parties at its sixth

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session.13 The meeting will discuss the proposed system of targets and will be invited to adopt

it and discuss ways to ensure its implementation.

69. In a round table discussion on the financing of the Protocol on Water and Health in

the context of the adopted targets, Parties will be invited to reflect on how their country has

supported the implementation of the Protocol’s programmes of work in the past, and how

they intend to provide financial and/or in-kind contributions towards the implementation of

the Protocol’s programme of work for 2026–2028 in the light of the adopted targets.

Representatives of other States, relevant international and non-governmental organizations

(NGOs) and other partners may also take the floor.

Documentation

Draft Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/6–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/12)

Draft decision on targets for financial sustainability of the work under the Protocol on Water

and Health (ECE/MP.WH/2025/5–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/11)

Concept note for a round table discussion on the financing of the Protocol on Water and

Health (informal document)

8. Programme of work for 2026–2028, terms of reference of bodies

established to implement it, resources needed and partnerships for its

implementation

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 3–4.45 p.m.

70. On the basis of the discussions under previous agenda items, the Meeting of the Parties

is expected to finalize and adopt its programme of work for 2026–2028. In doing so, the

Meeting of the Parties will agree on the:

(a) Structure of the programme of work, future activities and lead countries;

(b) Intergovernmental bodies, along with their respective mandates and terms of

reference, to guide the implementation of the programme of work.

71. In accordance with article 16 (3) (c) and (d) of the Protocol, the Chair of the Meeting

of the Parties to the Water Convention will inform the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol

of the progress made in the implementation of the Water Convention and the outcomes of the

tenth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention (Ljubljana, 23–25 October

2024), especially regarding the new areas of work under the Convention and the opportunities

for cooperation in the activities under the Convention and the Protocol.

72. Considering that the success of the implementation of the programme of work depends

on strategic cooperation with partners who share joint goals and agendas, such as

international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and

academia, existing and potential new partners will be invited to present proposals for

cooperation in the framework of the programme of work for 2026–2028.

Documentation

Report on the implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/1–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/07)

Draft programme of work for 2026–2028, including an overview of resource requirements

(ECE/MP.WH/2025/2–EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/08)

Provisional calendar of meetings under the Water Convention and the Protocol on Water and

Health in 2026 (informal document)

13 ECE/MP.WH/24−EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/06, para. 101 (e).

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9. Dates and venue of the eighth session of the Meeting of the Parties

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 4.45–4.50 p.m.

73. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to set dates and agree on the venue for its

eighth ordinary session.

10. Other business

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 4.50–4.55 p.m.

74. Delegates wishing to propose points under this item are requested to inform the joint

secretariat as soon as possible.

11. Adoption of the report

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 4.55–5.20 p.m.

75. The Chair will present the main decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties, which

form the basis of the draft report. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to consider and

adopt the draft report of its seventh session and entrust the joint secretariat, in consultation

with the Bureau, with its finalization.

12. Closing of the session

Tentative timing: Friday, 7 November, 5.20–5.30 p.m.

76. The Chair and a representative of the host country will be invited to make final

statements. The Chair will then officially close the session.

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High-level segment: Resilient water and sanitation systems for a safer and healthier future

Wednesday, 5 November, 10.45 a.m.–1 p.m.

CONCEPT NOTE

Background and overall objective

The year 2025 marks the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Protocol on Water and Health. From its adoption, the Protocol has offered countries in the pan-European region a robust institutional and legal framework supporting them in meeting their national and international commitments regarding water, sanitation, hygiene and health, including those set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, 5–7 July 2023). The Protocol has also steered the progressive realization of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation as recognized by the General Assembly in its resolutions 64/292 (2010) and 70/169 (2015).

Continuing the priorities set out in previous programmes of work, the overarching theme of the proposed programme of work for 2026–2028 is: Building sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services through strategic action under the Protocol on Water and Health.1 This focus reflects the understanding that the resilience of communities and societies is deeply dependent on the availability and sustainable management of essential services and water resources. Strengthening their resilience is a fundamental pillar in enhancing the broader resilience and health security of the pan-European region.

The overarching objective of the high-level segment is to celebrate and take stock of 20 years of collective pan-European action on water, sanitation, hygiene and health under the Protocol on Water and Health, while inspiring future action and sharing experiences to build sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services, and to ensure the protection and sustainable management of water resources.

The outcomes of the high-level segment will inform the preparatory process for the United Nations 2026 Water Conference.

The high-level segment will be structured into three distinct parts:

Part 1: Welcoming ceremony for new Parties

The high-level segment will commence with a ceremony welcoming new Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health that have acceded since the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties (Geneva, 16–18 November 2022).

Part 2: Celebrating 20 years of the Protocol on Water and Health

Objective: To celebrate 20 years of collective pan-European action on water, sanitation, hygiene and health under the Protocol on Water and Health.

This part will take stock of the significant progress and impacts catalysed by the Protocol in the past two decades. The protection and sustainable management of water resources has progressed. Access to safely

1 The draft programme of work for 2026–2028 is available at: https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol (see Documentation).

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managed drinking water and sanitation services has improved markedly across the region. Strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change on water and sanitation service provision has moved to the forefront of policy and planning. Equitable access to water and sanitation has gained increased policy traction, and health systems have been further strengthened to prevent and respond to water-related disease incidents and outbreaks.

Looking ahead, the segment will also seek to inspire action for the future, recognizing the visionary elements of the Protocol at its time of negotiation, ensuring that the next decades build on past achievements when addressing current and emerging challenges.

Run of show

The session will open with testimonials highlighting insights into the historical development of the Protocol and its present-day value and impact.

This will be followed by a high-level panel featuring representatives from countries, international organizations and non-governmental partners, reflecting on the Protocol’s past and future role in shaping the national, regional and global agendas on water, sanitation, hygiene and health.

Guiding questions

Proposed guiding questions for discussion:

- Over the past 20 years, what have been the Protocol’s most significant achievements and tangible impacts on the ground?

- How has the Protocol shaped national and regional policies and investments on water, sanitation and health?

- In what ways has the Protocol supported countries in integrating water, sanitation and hygiene into national health strategies and programming? And in turn, how has the Protocol supported the integration of health into national water strategies and basin management plans?

- What key lessons from two decades of implementation experience can inspire and guide future action under the Protocol?

Interactive discussion

The interactive discussion will provide an open platform for Parties, other States, international organizations and stakeholders to share perspectives, experiences and proposals from the floor. Delegations are invited to make brief interventions, not exceeding three minutes, to allow for a broad range of views.

Part 3: Enhancing resilience to emerging challenges in water, sanitation, hygiene and health

Objective: To inspire action and share experiences in building sustainable and resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services.

This part will examine the role of water, sanitation and hygiene systems and services as foundational pillars of resilience and health security in the face of mounting global challenges. As the impacts of climate change intensify, health emergencies become more frequent, environmental degradation accelerates, demographic shifts put an increasing pressure and new threats such as cybersecurity threats emerge, the ability of communities, health systems, infrastructure and economies to withstand and recover from shocks is under increasing pressure. Investing in safe, resilient and equitable water, sanitation and hygiene systems, including the management and protection of water resources, is essential for protecting public health, ensuring continuity of essential services, preserving ecosystems, and reducing vulnerability across sectors.

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The deliberations aim to foster the exchange of experiences and perspectives, strengthen partnerships and promote integrated approaches that embed water, sanitation and hygiene in wider policies for climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, protection of water resources and health system strengthening.

Run of show

The session will begin with a keynote address unpacking the multiple dimensions of resilience and their relevance to the water, sanitation and health agenda, including in the context of emerging challenges.

The keynote will be followed by a high-level panel discussion with representatives from countries, international organizations and non-governmental partners. Panellists will be invited to examine the diverse risks and challenges affecting the resilience of water and sanitation systems – ranging from natural disasters and health emergencies to climate change impacts– and explore solutions to safeguard the continuity and safety of these essential services.

Guiding questions

Proposed guiding questions for discussion:

- In your context, what are the main current and emerging risks, shocks and vulnerabilities, undermining the resilience of water, sanitation and hygiene systems?

- What role do resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems play in strengthening national health systems and health security in the face of climate change, pandemics and other crises?

- What solutions—whether policies, investments or innovations—have proven effective in strengthening the resilience of water, sanitation and hygiene services amid these complex challenges?

- How can integrated planning across sectors (e.g. health, environment, infrastructure) support resilient, safe and equitable water, sanitation and hygiene systems capable of addressing emerging threats?

- What role should the Protocol play in accelerating country-level action on climate change and health through the water, sanitation and hygiene agenda?

Interactive discussion

The interactive discussion will provide an open platform for Parties, other States, international organizations and stakeholders to share perspectives, experiences and proposals from the floor. Delegations are invited to make brief interventions, not exceeding three minutes, to allow for a broad range of views.

Practical information

To help shape the final programme of the high-level segment, delegations are asked to inform the joint secretariat of any high-level participants as soon as possible. Priority will be given to high-level speakers, such as ministers, deputy ministers, state secretaries, permanent secretaries and heads of agencies.

Delegations planning to deliver a high-level statement from the floor during the interactive discussion are invited to inform the joint secretariat by 22 October 2025, indicating the panel after which they wish to intervene. Statements should address some of the guiding questions listed above. Statements should not exceed three minutes.

Delegations planning to deliver a high-level statement are invited to submit a picture, photo, painting, drawing or other image in advance to the joint secretariat that illustrates or complements their statement. Such image should be submitted by email ([email protected]) by 29 October 2025. The image will then be projected on the screen during the delivery of the high-level statement.

Ref.: 2025/OES/127/ENV/122

Geneva and Copenhagen, 22 August 2025

Dear Ministers, We have the honour to invite the Republic of Estonia to the seventh session of the Meeting of

the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. The meeting is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), at the invitation of the Government of Hungary. It will take place in Budapest at the Bálna Conference Center from 5 to 7 November 2025.

The Budapest Meeting of the Parties will mark 20 years since the entry into force of the

Protocol on Water and Health – a unique international agreement linking sustainable water management and the prevention, control and reduction of water-related diseases. Since its adoption in 1999, the Protocol has proven to be a vital instrument in advancing water, sanitation, hygiene and health across the pan-European region. It has played a significant role in expanding access to safely managed water and sanitation services, improving the quality of drinking water, advancing hygiene practices and reducing the incidence of water-related diseases. Today, the Protocol continues to drive policies and mobilize practical action towards equitable access to water and sanitation services for all in all settings.

We warmly invite you to take part in the meeting’s high-level segment, “Resilient water and

sanitation systems for a safer and healthier future”, scheduled for 5 November. The session will examine the role of water and sanitation systems as foundational pillars for resilience and health security in the face of mounting global challenges. As the impacts of climate change intensify, health emergencies become more frequent and environmental degradation continues, the ability of communities, health systems and economies to withstand and recover from shocks is under increasing pressure. Investing in safe, resilient and equitable water and sanitation systems is vital to protecting public health, maintaining essential services, preserving water resources and ecosystems and reducing vulnerability across sectors. This high-level segment will offer a valuable opportunity to share national experiences and perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and promote integrated approaches that embed water, sanitation and hygiene within broader policies for climate adaptation, emergency preparedness and health system strengthening. The outcomes of the high-level segment will feed into the preparatory process to the United Nations 2026 Water Conference (United Arab Emirates, 2–4 December 2026).

Mr. Andres Sutt Minister of Energy and the Environment of the Republic of Estonia Tallinn

Ms. Karmen Joller Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Tallinn

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The general segment of the meeting will be dedicated to reviewing progress made since the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties in 2022 and shaping the future direction of the Protocol, while also focusing on its impacts and success stories at country and regional levels. It will include discussions on improving governance, enhancing resilience to climate change, the safe management of water supply and sanitation systems and services, small-scale water supply and sanitation, the prevention and reduction of water-related diseases, equitable access to water and sanitation, and water, sanitation and hygiene in institutional settings and public places.

The Meeting of the Parties is expected to adopt a forward-looking programme of work for the

period 2026–2028. The programme will serve as the main instrument for supporting implementation, responding to the needs and priorities of countries and advancing progress in water, sanitation, hygiene and health across the region, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the regional commitments set out in the Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health. A new complementary Strategy for the implementation of the Protocol, to be adopted by the Meeting of the Parties, will set directions for future development and enhanced implementation of the instrument.

Furthermore, the meeting will discuss and adopt an innovative system of targets to ensure

financial sustainability of the work under the Protocol, with the aim of complementing and supporting strategic action with the required resources. During a round-table discussion on financing, Parties will be invited to reflect upon the proposed targets and share their ideas on how to implement them. We invite your country to reaffirm its intention to support the implementation of the new programme of work through active engagement and contributions, both financial and in-kind.

Please find enclosed the provisional agenda, a practical information note, and a concept note providing further detail on the high-level segment. Additional information, including details on registration, accreditation, and financial support for eligible participants, is available on the meeting website: https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol.

Given the Protocol’s cross-sectoral nature, we highly recommend that national delegations

include representatives from the health, water and environment sectors to ensure effective and coordinated participation. We encourage you to include female participants in your delegation. We would appreciate it if you could designate the members of your delegation, communicate their details to the joint secretariat by e-mail and arrange their online registration for the meeting by 5 October 2025. Parties also need to submit their credentials to the joint secretariat by e-mail by 22 October 2025.

Should you require additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the

joint secretariat at [email protected] and at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you and your delegation in Budapest. Please accept, Ministers, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Tatiana Molcean

Executive Secretary United Nations

Economic Commission for Europe

Hans Henri P. Kluge

Regional Director World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe

Enclosures (3)

Celebrating 20 Years of Water, Sanitation, and Health Action BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR THE FUTURE

The overarching theme of resilience will be central to the 2025 United Nations high-level intergovernmental meeting on advancing the water, sanitation, and health agenda in the pan- European region. While reecting on 20 years of achievements, the meeting will look forward towards building resilience in the face of a changing climate and to future-proof water and sanitation systems to protect health and environment now and for generations to come.

Incorporating a high-level segment and numerous technical side events, the meeting will set the ambitious agenda for water, sanitation and health in the pan-European region for the next 3 years.

Fővám square 11-12, Budapest, Hungary

https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol

5 November 2025 HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT

The high-level segment will bring together ministers, senior decision-makers, and stakeholders to renew political commitment to resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems. Participants will focus on opportunities and solutions for enhancing preparedness and resilience in face of climate change and other pressures and risks. The segment will celebrate 20 years since the Protocol entered into force, highlighting its legacy, successes and ongoing relevance.

5–7 November 2025 GENERAL SEGMENT

The General Segment will assess progress and dene the Protocol’s future direction. Delegates will review results across all programme areas and discuss proposed activities for the next 3 years. Emphasis will be placed on resilience-building and cross-sectoral integration in water, sanitation, and health. Partners will share experiences and align their eorts with Protocol objectives. Key outcomes will include approval of the programme of work for 2026–2028, launch of new publications, adoption of the Strategy for implementation of the Protocol and targets for nancial sustainability.

Technical side events on pressing water, sanitation and hygiene issues will be organized by various partners.

The Protocol on Water and Health is a unique legally-binding instrument aimed at attaining safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation and hygiene for everyone. Since its adoption in 1999 and entry into force in 2005, the Protocol has supported signicant progress in water, sanitation and health in the pan-European region. It is a powerful tool towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6, and implementing the Declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, July 2023), at national and regional levels by promoting integration of policies and a holistic and preventive approach to water, sanitation, hygiene and health.

The Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol is held every 3 years. The meeting plays a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation, assessing progress, and identifying emerging challenges and opportunities related to water, sanitation, and health.

Contact the joint secretariat: UNECE: [email protected]

WHO Regional Oce for Europe: [email protected]

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION NOTE

MEETING VENUE

Bálna Conference Centre Fővám square 11-12 Budapest, Hungary Access to the meeting venue will only be granted to registered participants upon presentation of a badge.

Badges will be issued at the venue upon first entry, after presenting a valid passport. The venue is accessible to participants with reduced mobility. The meeting will be held at the Bálna Conference Centre. Bálna (Whale) is one of the most iconic buildings of Budapest. The building has a glass structure in the shape of a whale, giving a magnificent panoramic view to the Danube and the Buda side and it serves as a wonderful multifunctional space. In 2022, at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense and on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the Hungarian Forces, Bálna was transformed into a defense-themed center, offering an interactive exhibition to visitors.

SUMMARY OF DEADLINES

22 September Deadline for submission of applications for financial support, including a completed

financial support request form and registration in Indico

5 October Deadline for online registration in Indico (for all participants)

22 October Deadline for submission of scanned copies of credentials by email (for Parties)

22 October Deadline to inform the joint secretariat by email if a delegation is planning to deliver

a high-level statement from the floor during the high-level segment

29 October Deadline for submission of statements by delegations by email

5 November Deadline for presenting original credentials in Budapest (for Parties)

The above-mentioned submissions should be sent to the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]) within the specified deadlines.

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REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS

Countries and organizations are invited to designate their representative(s) by 5 October 2025. All participants are requested to register online by 5 October 2025, using the following link: https://indico.un.org/e/PWHMOP. To complete the registration, participants should follow these two steps:

Step 1: Create an Indico Account Step 2: Register for the Meeting in Indico

Please note that participation in the meeting is subject to approval by the joint secretariat. Should you encounter any issues with registration, please contact the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]).

CREDENTIALS

Only applicable to Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health In accordance with the rules of procedure for the meetings of the Parties to the Protocol, credentials of all representatives of Parties to the Protocol and the names of alternate representatives and advisers shall be submitted to the joint secretariat. To facilitate the procedure of verification of credentials, Parties are invited to inform the joint secretariat of the name(s) of their representative(s) at their earliest convenience. Credentials, which are issued either by the Head of State, the Head of Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs, or any other person duly empowered to do so by any of these, such as the Minister for Environment, should indicate the composition of the delegation, including the head of delegation, and should state that the respective delegation is empowered to participate in the meeting and take decisions on behalf of the respective Government, following the applicable rules of procedure. Credentials should list all official representatives of the corresponding Party. Parties are encouraged to include in the credentials the representatives of their embassies based in Budapest, Hungary. An example of credentials could be found here. A scanned copy of the credentials should be submitted to the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]) by 22 October 2025. The original credentials should be presented to the joint secretariat upon arrival on 5 November at the meeting venue in Budapest, prior to the opening of the 7th session. Countries that are not Parties to the Protocol do not need to submit credentials.

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CONFERENCE DETAILS Provisional Organization of Work

The 7th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health will start at 10:00 on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 and will end at 17:30 on Friday, 7 November 2025.

5 November 6 November 7 November

8:00- 10:00

Registration 8:30- 9:45

By invitation: Donor

breakfast Side events

10:00- 13:00

High-level segment 10:00- 13:00

General segment 10:00- 13:00

General segment

13:00- 15:00

By invitation: High-level

lunch

Side events (13:30-14:45)

& Lunch

13:00- 15:00

Side events (13:30-14:45) & Lunch

13:00- 15:00

Side events (13:30-14:45) & Lunch

15:00- 18:00

High-level segment (concluding part) 15:00-

18:00 General segment

15:00- 17:30

General segment

General segment

Dinner Reception

All official sessions will be organized in the form of a plenary. More information on the programme will become available on the meeting’s webpage (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol) in due course.

Statements During the Meeting

Representatives are invited to contribute to the plenary discussions. Speakers are asked to limit the length of their interventions to three minutes during the high-level segment and two minutes during the general segment. The Chair will strictly enforce these time limits. Delegations are asked to inform the joint secretariat by 29 October 2025 if they intend to make a statement and to specify under which agenda item(s). Statements should be submitted to the joint secretariat by email ([email protected]) prior to the meeting, in order to facilitate the work of the interpreters. In case of insufficient time for all interventions to be delivered, submitted statements will be made available on the meeting’s webpage (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol). For participation in the high-level segment, delegations planning to deliver a high-level statement from the floor during the interactive discussion are invited to inform the joint secretariat by 22 October 2025, indicating the panel after which they wish to intervene. For more information, please see the Concept Note of the High-Level Segment.

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Documents

All official and informal documents for the meeting will be made available on the webpage of the 7th session of the Meeting of the Parties (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol). The meeting will follow a PaperSmart model. Therefore, participants are asked to bring their own copies of documents or laptops. Internet access will be provided during the meeting. No paper copies of documents will be available in the meeting room.

Working Languages

Simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Russian will be provided during all plenary sessions.

Livestreaming of the Meeting

The meeting will be livestreamed in all three languages. The connection link will be provided closer to the event.

SIDE EVENTS

A programme of side events, organized by various partners and addressing pressing WASH-related challenges, will complement the official agenda. Detailed information will be made available on the meeting’s webpage (https://unece.org/MOP7_Protocol) closer to the event date.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Limited funds are available to support participation of nominated representatives from UNECE- WHO/Europe countries eligible for financial support. Applications for financial support should be submitted together with the financial support request form duly signed by an authorized high-level official and registration in Indico (https://indico.un.org/e/PWHMOP) to the joint secretariat ([email protected]) as soon as possible, but no later than 22 September 2025. No late requests will be considered. Up to two participants per country (one from water/environment sector, the other one from the health sector) may be eligible for support. Priority consideration will be given to Parties to the Protocol, countries represented at ministerial level, countries in accession, and presenters. The joint secretariat will inform in early October whether applications have been accepted. Countries and organizations are encouraged to look for additional sources of funding through their institutions’ budget, national projects and partners, as the joint secretariat may not be able to respond positively to all requests.

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TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

All participants are personally responsible for obtaining adequate travel medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Hungary. The organizers will not be liable for any medical expenses incurred during or in connection with the meeting.

VISA FACILITATION

Please indicate clearly in the Indico registration form if a personal invitation letter for visa purposes is needed. Hungary joined the Schengen Area on 21 December 2007. From that time, visas and residence permits issued by one of the Member States are valid also for Hungary, and visas/residence permits issued by Hungarian authorities are as a general rule also valid for the entire Schengen Area. Holders of passports issued by the countries, entities or territories listed on the following website are granted visa-free travel to Hungary (please pay attention to the type of passport): https://konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu/en/visa-free- travel-hungary. Participants who need a visa to enter Hungary are advised to submit their application to the competent Hungarian mission as early as possible, and no later than 4 weeks before the intended travel.

Documents needed upon visa applications:

• Completed visa application form;

• Travel document with at least two empty pages. The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen territory.

• Travel medical insurance (covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization and repatriation. The minimum cover should be of 30,000 EUR. This insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the duration of the stay).

• Flight / travel reservations or other proof of intended transport: Reservation(s) - Bus, Train, Plane, Vehicle, Ferry etc. - must include PNR (reservation number) or ticket number, name of the passenger(s) and travel dates. In case of travel to more than one country, city/country transfers must be shown in the application.

• Travel itinerary and hotel reservation. If the invitation letter does not include evidence of a hotel booking, the reservation must contain a confirmation number and the name(s) of the passenger(s). Reservations without a name or reservation number will not be accepted.

• Proof of means of subsistence: e.g., bank account statement on the account turnover during the last three months, and proof of regular income e.g., salary slips of the last three months (or similar).

• An email confirmation of Indico registration approval from the joint secretariat and an official invitation from the host country (Hungary), received after registration, and a certification issued by the delegating organization.

• Visa fee (90 EUR). Participants from UNECE Member States are exempt from paying visa fees.

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ACCOMMODATION

Participants are responsible for booking and covering the costs of their accommodation. The Hungarian organization team offers the following hotels with negotiated rates for participants of the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties, which are close to the meeting venue and easily accessible by public transport. Please find detailed hotel descriptions and a map here. Reservations shall be made individually by the participants by using the links below. Please set arrival and departure date according to your choice. Bookings must be guaranteed by a credit card, providing the card number and the expiration date. Please note that the pre-booked rooms at preferential rates are only available until stated below. From that date, reservation will be subject to room’s availability and general conditions will apply.

Mercure Budapest Korona Address: H-1053 Budapest, Kecskeméti str. 14. Room rates: - single room: 139 EUR/night - double room: 149 EUR/night Reservation: Mercure Budapest Korona**** Deadline: reservation upon availability

Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center Address: H-1053 Budapest, Kossuth Lajos str. 19-21. Room rates: 15% discount from daily rates Reservation: https://www.danubiushotels.com/en/vej2025 Deadline: reservation upon availability

Cloe Hotel Budapest Address: H-1056 Budapest, Só str. 4. Room rates: - single standard room: 94 EUR/night

- single superior room: 109 EUR/night - double occupancy: extra 15 EUR/night

Reservation: https://chloehotelbudapest.com/book-now/ promotion code: VEJ2025 Deadline: 2nd October

Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel Address: H- 1092 Budapest, Hőgyes Endre str. 4. Room rates: premium or superior room: 99 EUR/night (single occupancy) Reservation: threecornerslifestylehotel.book-online.now Deadline: 31st October

Ibis Styles Budapest City Address: H-1095 Budapest, Soroksári str. 12. Room rates: - single design room: 90 EUR/night - double design room: 96 EUR/night Reservation: accor.com/ibisstylesbudapestcity Deadline: 3rd October

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MEALS AND RECEPTION

During all three days of the meeting, the Government of Hungary will offer refreshments at the meeting venue. Lunch services will also be arranged at the meeting venue. On the evening of the first day of the meeting (Wednesday, 5 November), the Ministry of Interior on behalf of the Government of Hungary will host an official dinner reception for all participants, accompanied by a cultural program.

TRANSFER FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY

Participants who arrive with a commercial flight will arrive at Terminal 2A or 2B of Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Please note that no shuttle service will be provided by the organisers, so participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Budapest Airport Shuttle Service

Budapest Airport itself offers an airport shuttle service for an extra fee, called MiniBUD. (Information on the shuttle services can be found at: www.minibud.hu)

Public Transport (Budapest Transport Centre – BKK)

Public transport bus line 100E Airport Express provides a direct and fast connection to the city centre. Single ticket costs 2,200 HUF (approximately €5.50-6), tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines at the airport. For more information regarding public transportation within the city, please consult the website of BKK, where you can also learn about the costs of different types of tickets and information on public transport routes: https://bkk.hu/en/

Taxi

At your landing spot, Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, you have the opportunity to book a taxi to get you to your accommodation. The official partner of Budapest Airport is Főtaxi (Tel: +36 1 222 2 222, information on taxi services can be found at: https://fotaxi.hu/en/). Főtaxi operates a designated office outside of both arrival terminals.

Transfer for VIPs

Ministers, Vice-Ministers, and State Secretaries of Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health and other United Nations Member States will be welcomed at Budapest Airport. Their transfers to and from the airport will be arranged by the organizers.

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ABOUT HUNGARY

• Official name: Hungary

• State form: Republic

• Area: 93,022 km2

• Population: 9,584,627 (2024)

• Neighbouring countries: Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia

• Official language: Hungarian

• Capital and largest city: Budapest (population: 1,729,040)

Hungary, located in the heart of Central Europe, is known for its distinctive language and rich cultural heritage. Hungary is often referred to as the “land of waters,” it is home to Lake Balaton — the largest lake in Central Europe — and over a thousand thermal springs across the country. The capital, Budapest, offers an eclectic and unique atmosphere with a mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Classical architectural styles. Budapest, united by the River Danube, with hills and valleys on one side and plains on the other, connected with a series of graceful bridges, offers a unique panorama, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In Budapest, the average November temperature does not rise above 7 °C, with a chance of frost by dawn. The weather is generally windy and rainy, so it is recommended to dress warmly. About Hungary: https://visithungary.com/ Emergency number: 112 (ambulance, police, fire brigade) Country code: +36 (Hungary) Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz Local time: GMT +2:00 – Central European Summer Time (CEST) Currency: HUF – Hungarian Forint (official currency) For official daily exchange rates, please consult the website of the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (National Bank of Hungary): https://www.mnb.hu/en/arfolyamok

CONTACT DETAILS

For advice on substantive or programme-related matters: [email protected] and [email protected]

For issues related to financial support and registration: [email protected]

For visa information (Please send requests to both of the e-mail addresses indicated below): Fanni Klaudia Mosolygó- [email protected]; +36 (1) 441 1896 Nelli Benefi-Zatureczki – [email protected]; +36 (1) 999 4840

For information on accommodation: [email protected]