Avaldus

Paldiski mnt 81, 10614 Tallinn telefon +372 794 3500 registrikood 70008799

Paju 2, 50603 Tartu e-post: [email protected] KMKN EE101339803

Akadeemia 2, 80011 Pärnu www.terviseamet.ee EE891010220034796011

Kalevi 10, 30322 Kohtla-Järve viitenumber 2800048574

Välisministeerium

[email protected]

Islandi väljak 1

15049, Tallinn

Teie 01.10.2025

Meie 01.10.2025 nr 9.2-3/25/7669-1

Delegatsiooni moodustamine

piiriveekogude ja rahvusvaheliste

järvede kaitse ja kasutamise

konventsiooni Vee ja Tervise Protokolli

osapoolte seitsmendal kohtumisel

osalemiseks

Palume Välisministeeriumil moodustada Eesti delegatsioon piiriveekogude ja rahvusvaheliste

järvede kaitse ja kasutamise konventsiooni Vee ja Tervise Protokolli osapoolte seitsmendal

kohtumisel osalemiseks, mis toimub Ungaris, Budapestis 05.-07. novembril 2025.a. Teeme

ettepaneku lülitada delegatsiooni koosseisu Sotsiaalministeeriumi rahvatervise osakonna nõunik

Ramon Nahkur ja Terviseameti keskkonnatervise osakonna nõunik Leena Albreht.

Lugupidamisega

(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)

Birgit Lao

peadirektor

Lisa: 1. Kohtumise päevakava

2. Volituse eelnõu

Leena Albreht

5234995 [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 Nations ECE/MP.WH/26−EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

Economic and Social Council Distr.: General

13 August 2025

Original: English

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

3

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

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

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

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

7

(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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

8

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 Addenda8 and the WHO Guidelines on Sanitation and

Health,9 and 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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

9

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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

10

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)

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

11

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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

12

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.

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

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

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

14

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).

ECE/MP.WH/26

EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03

15

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.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of Estonia

C R E D E N T I A L S

I, the undersigned, Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia,

authorize by these presents:

Mr. Ramon NAHKUR Adviser of the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs

of the Republic of Estonia, Head of Delegation

Mrs Leena Albreht Adviser of the Environmental Health Department of the Estonian Health

Board, Member of Delegation

to represent the Republic of Estonia at the Seventh Session of the Meeting of the Parties to the

Protocol on Water and Health to be held from 05 to 07 November 2025, in Budapest.

In witness whereof these presents have been issued for whatsoever legal purpose they may serve.

Tallinn, October , 2025