Avaldus

United NationsECE/MP.WH/26−EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 Economic and Social Council Distr.: General 13 August 2025 Original: English 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]). ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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. 2  ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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 3 ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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. 4  ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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 5 ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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. 6  ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 (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. 7 ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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 Directive 10 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. 8  ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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. 9 ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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) 10  ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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 facilities 11 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. 11 ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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. 12  ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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 13 ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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). 14  ECE/MP.WH/26 EUCDE/2422164/3.1./2025/MoP7/03 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. 15  Teie 01.10.2025 Välisministeerium [email protected] Meie 01.10.2025 nr 9.2-3/25/7669-1 Islandi väljak 1 15049, Tallinn 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] 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  Minister of Foreign Affairs Republic of Estonia CREDENTIALS I, the undersigned, Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, authorize by these presents: Adviser of the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs Mr. Ramon NAHKUR of the Republic of Estonia, Head of Delegation Adviser of the Environmental Health Department of the Estonian Health Mrs Leena Albreht 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