By Shah Nasir Khisro
Many countries are falling behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and development discourse is already beginning to shift towards a post-SDG framework. This growing concern has been further intensified by geopolitical instability, particularly the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have disrupted global economic recovery. Rising fuel prices, inflationary pressures and constrained fiscal space are disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries—especially across South Asia and Africa—where development gains remain fragile. Recent analyses from institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund highlight that global economic shocks are reversing progress on poverty reduction and increasing vulnerability to food insecurity.
Similarly, reporting by outlets such as The Economist and Al Jazeera underscores how surging oil prices and supply chain disruptions are exacerbating inequalities, placing additional strain on already overburdened public systems. In this context, achieving targets related to hunger (SDG 2), poverty (SDG 1), and clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) is becoming increasingly challenging. Water and sanitation, in particular, are foundational, cross-cutting sectors. Progress in health, education, gender equality and economic productivity is deeply dependent on access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. Without these basic services, efforts across nearly all SDGs risk stagnation or reversal. Amid these challenges, upcoming global platforms such as the UN Water Conference and the World Urban Forum present critical opportunities.
These forums must move beyond dialogue and focus on actionable strategies—particularly innovative and efficient financing mechanisms. With shrinking development budgets, there is an urgent need to prioritize blended finance models, strengthen public-private partnerships and enhance domestic resource mobilization. Governments, development partners and civil society organizations (CSOs) must collectively rethink how limited financial resources can be optimized. This includes investing in climate-resilient water infrastructure, promoting cost-effective sanitation solutions and leveraging data-driven planning to ensure equitable service delivery.
Additionally, integrating water and sanitation into broader economic recovery and climate adaptation agendas will be essential. Building on this context, a structured contingency action matrix can help governments and development partners respond more effectively to the current economic and development crisis, while safeguarding progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly in water and sanitation.
| Strategic Area | Government Actions | Development Partners Actions | Expected Outcome |
| 1. Policy & Governance | Prioritize water and sanitation as essential services in national emergency frameworks; fast-track approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays | Provide technical assistance for policy reforms; support evidence-based planning aligned with global commitments | Stronger institutional response and continuity of essential services |
| 2. Financing & Resource Mobilization | Reallocate national budgets toward high-impact WASH interventions; introduce targeted subsidies for vulnerable populations | Scale up concessional financing, grants, and blended finance mechanisms; support innovative financing models | Sustained investment despite fiscal constraints |
| 3. Service Delivery Continuity | Ensure uninterrupted operation of water supply systems and fecal sludge management services, especially in urban and peri-urban areas | Fund emergency operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure | Reduced service disruptions and public health risks |
| 4. Pro-Poor Targeting | Expand social protection programs to include water and sanitation subsidies for low-income households | Support data systems to identify vulnerable populations and ensure inclusive service delivery | Improved equity and access for marginalized groups |
| 5. Private Sector Engagement | Facilitate regulatory frameworks and incentives for private sector participation in service delivery and innovation | De-risk private investments through guarantees and co-financing arrangements | Increased efficiency, innovation, and service coverage |
| 6. Climate Resilience & Energy Efficiency | Integrate climate-resilient designs and energy-efficient technologies in WASH infrastructure | Provide climate finance and technical expertise for resilient infrastructure planning | Long-term sustainability and reduced operational costs |
| 7. Data, Monitoring & Accountability | Strengthen real-time monitoring systems and transparency mechanisms for WASH services | Support digital tools, surveys, and performance tracking aligned with global standards | Better decision-making and accountability |
| 8. Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening | Train local governments and utilities on crisis management and adaptive planning | Provide capacity development programs, knowledge exchange, and south-south cooperation | Enhanced institutional readiness and responsiveness |
| 9. Multi-Stakeholder Coordination | Establish coordination platforms among ministries, local governments, and service providers | Facilitate coordination among donors, NGOs, and international agencies to avoid duplication | Harmonized efforts and efficient resource utilization |
| 10. Advocacy & Global Engagement | Actively participate in global forums such as the UN Water Conference and World Urban Forum to highlight national priorities | Align funding strategies with country-led priorities and global advocacy efforts | Increased visibility and mobilization of international support |
Water and sanitation must be treated as economic stabilizers, not merely social services, particularly in times of crisis. Governments should lead with clear policy direction and prioritization, while development partners must adapt financing and technical support to evolving realities. A coordinated, data-driven and equity-focused approach is essential to protect vulnerable populations and sustain progress. This matrix offers a practical framework for contingency planning, helping to ensure that, even under fiscal and geopolitical strain, the water and sanitation sector remains resilient and continues to underpin progress across multiple development goals.
In conclusion, the current global crisis underscores a critical reality: without prioritizing water and sanitation as central pillars of development, the broader SDG agenda cannot be realized. The path forward demands not only renewed political commitment, but also smarter financing, stronger partnerships and a clear recognition that water security and sanitation are indispensable to sustainable and inclusive growth.
(The writer is an expert in Safely Management of Sanitation in Pakistan, and Executive Director at Integrated Regional Support Program in KPK. He can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
