Invitation

Example of a delegation’s credentials (ONLY FOR PARTIES) CREDENTIALS I, [ name and title of the Head of State, Head of Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs or any other person or authority duly empowered to do so by one of these, such as the Minister for Environment ], HEREBY AUTHORISE [ name and title or one or more persons] to represent the Government of [name of State ] at the sixth 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 in Geneva , on 1 6 - 18 November 20 22 . Done at [ place ] on [ date ]. [ Signature ] POUVOIRS NOUS, [ nom et titre du chef d'État, du chef de gouvernement ou du Ministre des affaires étrangères ou toute autre personne ou autorité dûment autorisée à agir ainsi par l’un de ces derniers, tel que le Ministre de l'environnement ] AUTORISONS PAR LA PRÉSENTE [ nom et titre d'une ou plusieurs personnes ] à représenter le Gouvernement [nom de l'État] à la sixième Réunion des Parties au Protocole sur l’eau et la santé à la Convention sur la protection e t l'utilisation des cours d'eau transfrontières et des lacs internationaux de la CEE-ONU , qui se tiendra à Genève , du 1 6 au 18 novembre 20 22 . Fait à [ lieu ] le [ date ]. [ Signature ] ПОЛНОМОЧИЯ Я ( имя, фамилия и звание Главы Государства, Главы Правительства, Министра иностранных дел или любого другого уполномоченного лица или органа, например, Министра охраны окружающей среды ), НАСТОЯЩИМ НАДЕЛЯЮ ПОЛНОМОЧИЯМИ ( имя, фамилия и звание одного или нескольких лиц ) представлять Правительство ( наименование Государства ) на шестой сессии Совещания Сторон Протокола по проблемам воды и здоровья к Конвенции по охране и использованию трансграничных водотоков и международных озер , которая состоится в Женеве , с 1 6 по 1 8 ноября 20 22 года. Совершено в ( место ) ( дата ). (подпись) Saatja: ECE-water-health <[email protected]> Saadetud: 19.08.2022 16:27 Adressaat: keskkonnaministeerium [ENVIR] <[email protected]>; Peep Peterson <[email protected]> Koopia: <[email protected]>; Triin Uusberg <[email protected]>; Elen Ohov <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; KÖHLER, Kristina <[email protected]>; SM Info <[email protected]>; mission.un [MFA] <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; Kaisa Mitt Alvarez [MFA] <[email protected]>; mission.un [MFA] <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; Ramon Nahkur <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; ECE-water-health <[email protected]> Teema: Estonia | Invitation to the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health | 16 – 18 November 2022, hybrid meeting (Geneva, Switzerland, and virtual) Excellencies, Kindly find attached an invitation from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe to the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health, which will take place from 16 to 18 November 2022, in hybrid format (at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, and virtually). The meeting will be a key milestone for the implementation of the Protocol and an opportunity to discuss strategic directions of the pan- European water, sanitation and health agenda. It will also review achievements, exchange best-practices, reflect on challenges and identify future priorities in the coming three years. A new programme of work for the period 2023-2025 will be adopted. The meeting will also feature a high-level segment on 16 November 2022, which will be dedicated to reviewing actions and lessons learned in adapting water/WASH services to climate change and in ensuring safe water, sanitation, and adequate hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kindly find attached the provisional agenda and concept of the high-level session. Considering the strategic importance of the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties, we strongly encourage participation in-person and at the highest possible level. * Registration: The nominated representatives need to register at the earliest convenience but no later than 1 October 2022 , using the following link: * Credentials: Parties also need to submit their credentials by 1 November 2022. The model of credentials is attached. * Further information: All meeting documents will be made available on the meetings website in due course: Practical information of the United Nations Office at Geneva is available on the following link: We look forward to welcoming you / your countrys delegation to the Meeting of the Parties. The Joint Secretariat of the Protocol on Water and Health avails itself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of its highest consideration. Joint secretariat UNECE - WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes UNECE secretariat Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Tel: &#43;41 22 917 1032 and 71927 E-mail: WHO Regional Office for Europe Secretariat WHO European Centre for Environment and Health 53113 Bonn - Germany Tel.: &#43;49 228 815 0404 E-mail: United NationsECE/MP.WH/23−EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 Economic and Social Council Distr.: General 19 August 2022 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 Sixth session Geneva, 16–18 November 2022 Item 1 of the provisional agenda Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda Annotated provisional agenda for the sixth session To be held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, starting on Wednesday, 16 November 2022, at 10 a.m.* I. Provisional agenda High-level segment 1. Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda. 2. High-level session: “The Protocol on Water and Health: Strengthening the resilience of WASH and health services in times of climate change and pandemics”. 3. Status of ratification of the Protocol and report on credentials. General segment 4. Elections of the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties and other members of the Bureau. 5. Global and regional context: relevant processes on water, sanitation, hygiene and health. 6. Improving governance for water and health: support for setting targets and implementing measures. 7. Assistance to support accession and implementation at the national level. 8. Increasing resilience to climate change. * In accordance with United Nations accreditation procedures, participants are requested to complete the online registration procedure available on the web page for the sixth session (https://unece.org/environmental-policy/events/6thsession-MOP-Protocol) as soon as possible, but not later than 1 October 2022. ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 9. Compliance procedure. 10. Prevention and reduction of water-related diseases. 11. Institutional water, sanitation and hygiene. 12. Small-scale water supplies and sanitation. 13. Safe and efficient management of water supply and sanitation systems. 14. Equitable access to water and sanitation: translating the human rights to water and sanitation into practice. 15. Financing of the Protocol on Water and Health. 16. Programme of work for 2023–2025, terms of reference of bodies established to implement it and resources needed for its implementation. 17. Partners in implementation. 18. Date and venue of the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties. 19. Other business. 20. Presentation of the main decisions. 21. Closing of the session. II. Annotations 1. The sixth 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 16 to 18 November 2022, at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. 2. The meeting will comprise a high-level segment followed by a general segment. The high-level segment covers agenda items 1–3 and will be held in the morning and early afternoon of Wednesday, 16 November, starting at 10 a.m. The general segment addresses agenda items 4–21 and will start on Wednesday, 16 November, at 3.30 p.m. and will run until 5.30 p.m. on Friday, 18 November. 3. Remote participation in the meeting is possible, but in-person participation is strongly encouraged. 4. Relevant meeting documentation and practical information will be made available in due course on a dedicated page on the Protocol’s website. 1 High-level segment 1. Opening of the session and adoption of the agenda Tentative timing: Wednesday, 16 November, 10–10.45 a.m. 5. The Chair of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol will open the session. 6. Thereafter, 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. 7. The Meeting of the Parties is expected to adopt its agenda as set out in the present document. 1 See https://unece.org/info/Environmental-Policy/Water-Convention/events/360848. 2  ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 8. The Chair will invite the Parties to take note of the document on procedural matters of relevance to decision-making at the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties due to its hybrid format, and to decide to apply it during the session. Documentation Annotated provisional agenda for the sixth session (ECE/MP.WH/23) Procedural matters of relevance to decision-making at the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties due to the hybrid format imposed by the circumstances associated with the coronavirus pandemic (ECE/MP.WH/2022/1-EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/07) Organization of work (informal document) 2. High-level session: “The Protocol on Water and Health: strengthening the resilience of WASH and health services in times of climate change and pandemics” Tentative timing: Wednesday, 16 November, 10.45 a.m.–1 p.m. 9. Global drivers such as climate change, population growth, urbanization and environmental pollution alter the availability and quality of freshwater resources and challenge access to safe and reliable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, exacerbating already-existing challenges. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in particular, has shown how vulnerable WASH and health services can be and how important they are in taking response actions and in recovering from impacts. 10. The consequences of climate change, such as water quality changes, water scarcity, floods and sea-level rise, together with their social, economic and environmental impacts, are a rapidly emerging concern across the pan-European region that requires the urgent attention of policymakers, scientists and practitioners. The impact of these changes on WASH services and behaviours and on water resources is multifaceted and can have significant public health and environmental consequences, exacerbating the occurrence of water-related diseases and environmental degradation. Held in a hybrid format from 12 to 13 April 2022 in Geneva, the Pan-European Regional Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations 2023 Water Conference (New York, 22–24 March 2023) highlighted the urgent need for the region to further strengthen adaptation to climate change to accelerate progress in making drinking water and sanitation available, safe and affordable for all. 11. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of WASH services as the first line of defence in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. World Health Assembly resolution 73.1 on COVID-19 response identified WASH as a central component, calling upon countries “to take measures to support access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and infection prevention and control, ensuring that adequate attention is paid to the promotion of personal hygienic measures in all settings, including humanitarian settings, and particularly in health facilities”. 2 12. These challenges require appropriate intersectoral and multi-stakeholder action among numerous relevant sectors, including health, environment and water, along with the joint development of strategies and recommendations to respond to them. 13. Through its multisectoral convening power, target setting and accountability framework, and various tools on offer, the Protocol on Water and Health can play an important role in building a better and fairer future following the pandemic, while addressing the effects of climate change. 14. In the last twenty years, the Protocol has supported remarkable progress in water, sanitation, hygiene and health across the region, particularly in providing access to safe and equitable drinking water and sanitation services, improving drinking water quality, reducing 2 World Health Organization (WHO), Seventy-third World Health Assembly, Geneva, 18–19 May (de minimis) and 9–14 November (resumed) 2020 – Resolutions and decisions: Annexes, WHA73/2020/REC/1, resolution WHA73.1, operative para. 7 (4). 3 ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 the occurrence of water-related disease incidents and outbreaks, and sound water resource management. The Protocol continues to contribute to advancing and operationalizing the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in countries of the region, especially in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) and 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all). 15. The Protocol can support the recovery process towards a more resilient post-pandemic world by placing access to essential services, such as universal and equitable access to safe and climate-resilient drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for all in all settings, centre stage. The Protocol also seeks to support policymakers in integrating adaptation to climate change impacts into water and sanitation policy and strategic planning, while helping water and sanitation service operators to effectively manage climate risks. 16. The high-level session will provide an opportunity to appraise progress and take stock of the concrete results of countries’ responses to ensure access to water, sanitation, hygiene and health for all in the context of the pandemic and possible future pandemics. It will also foster an open dialogue on how to tackle the persisting gaps and challenges posed by climate change in the pan-European region to create climate-resilient WASH and health services. 17. The session will focus on the following questions: (a) What are the lessons learned from the pandemic and how can national and local WASH actions and policies be further prioritized to effectively respond to and recover from the pandemic and prevent future outbreaks, including to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6? (b) How can immediate policy responses be taken to secure and extend WASH service provision in times of pandemics? (c) What WASH interventions should be prioritized in the context of the pandemic to better protect the health and well-being of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations? (d) How can national targets be set and action plans be developed under the Protocol to help countries respond to and recover from the pandemic? (e) How can the impacts of climate change on water, sanitation and health services in the pan-European region be effectively addressed with a view to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts)? (f) What policy and practical responses has your country taken to strengthen the resilience of water resources, water and sanitation facilities and services to the effects of climate change? (g) How can the Protocol framework and its tools further support countries to strengthen climate resilience in water management and in the WASH and health sectors? 18. A first keynote speech will set the scene by providing a landscape analysis of how the pandemic has affected the water, sanitation and health situation in the pan-European region and outlining how the Protocol frameworks can support countries to respond to and recover from the pandemic. 19. A second keynote speech will provide insights into the effects of climate change in the pan-European region and their impacts on water, sanitation and health services and sectors, and explore what opportunities exist at both the technical and political levels to address those impacts, including through the Protocol. 20. Following each keynote speech, a panel composed of high-level representatives from countries and international and non-governmental organizations will discuss priority issues related to the challenges posed by both the pandemic and climate change to WASH and health services and facilities. Additionally, panellists will discuss existing options, good practices and solutions to tackle these threats and impacts in the pan-European region, and will also be invited to reflect on the role of the Protocol in shaping the regional agenda on water, sanitation and health and in achieving the 2030 Agenda. 4  ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 21. Subsequently, Parties, other States and stakeholders will be invited to participate in an interactive, moderated discussion on the above-mentioned issues. Interventions and statements should not exceed three minutes in length. To facilitate the running of the high- level session, delegations planning to make a statement are invited to inform the secretariat in advance. 22. The main outcomes of the session will be reflected in a summary of proposed actions and recommendations, which will be brought forward towards the United Nations 2023 Water Conference and inform the formulation of the declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, July 2023). Documentation The Protocol on Water and Health: Driving action on water, sanitation, hygiene and health (United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/21) The Protocol on Water and Health and the COVID-19 pandemic: Relevance, lessons learned and future perspectives (informal document) Programme of the high-level session: “The Protocol on Water and Health: Strengthening the resilience of WASH and health services in times of climate change and pandemics” (informal document) 3. Status of ratification of the Protocol and report on credentials Tentative timing: Wednesday, 16 November, 3–3.30 p.m. 23. The joint secretariat of the Protocol will inform the Meeting of the Parties about the status of ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health. 24. Delegates from States or regional economic integration organizations not yet Parties to the Protocol will be invited to briefly present their plans to ratify, accept, approve or accede to the Protocol, or related progress. 25. 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. 3 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 1 November 2022. Those Parties that have submitted a copy of the credentials should present the originals to the secretariat before the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties, on arrival at the meeting in Geneva. Documentation Status of ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health (informal document) General segment 26. The Meeting of the Parties will first elect the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the sixth session. Subsequently, it will discuss the global and regional context for the activities carried out under the Protocol and will be informed about relevant processes on water, sanitation, hygiene and health. In the light of this, the Meeting of the Parties will review achievements under the current programme of work for 2020–2022 (ECE/MP.WH/19/Add.1- EUPCR/1814149/1.2/2019/MOP-5/06/Add.1), including in the context of the impacts of the pandemic, and examine proposals for activities under the programme of work for 2023–2025. 3 Credentials, which are normally issued either by the Head of State or Government, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, or any other person duly empowered to do so, should indicate the composition of the delegation, including the head of delegation, and should state that the respective delegation is empowered to participate in the meeting and take decisions on behalf of the respective Government, following the applicable rules of procedure. 5 ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 A discussion on the overall programme of work for 2023–2025 will take place under agenda item 16. Documentation Report on the implementation of the programme of work for 2020–2022 (ECE/MP.WH/2022/3-EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/09) Overview of contributions and expenditures for the period 2020–2022 (ECE/MP.WH/2022/4-EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/10) Draft programme of work for 2023–2025 (ECE/MP.WH/2022/2- EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/08) 4. Elections of the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties and other members of the Bureau Tentative timing: Wednesday, 16 November, 3.30–3.50 p.m. 27. 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 seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties. 5. Global and regional context: relevant processes on water, sanitation, hygiene and health Tentative timing: Wednesday, 16 November, 3.50–4.15 p.m. 28. 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 preparations for the United Nations 2023 Water Conference and will discuss how the Protocol’s implementation, including at country level, can support the objectives and expected outcomes of the Conference. 29. The secretariat will inform the Meeting of the Parties about the preparations leading to the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health and how the outcomes of the Meeting of the Parties will inform the high-level commitments on environment and health to be adopted at the Conference. 30. 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. 31. A representative of the European Union will be invited to inform the Meeting of the Parties about the recast of the Drinking Water Directive 4 and the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, 5 as well as other relevant developments and possible synergies with work carried out under the Protocol. Documentation Drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene in the WHO European Region: Highlights and progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) 4 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. 5 Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban wastewater treatment, Official Journal of the European Communities, L 135 (1991), pp. 40–52. 6  ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 Declaration of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (WHO Regional Office for Europe, EURO/Ostrava 2017/6) 6. Improving governance for water and health: support for setting targets and implementing measures Tentative timing: Wednesday, 16 November, 4.15–5.30 p.m. 32. 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. 33. With reference to article 6 (3) of the Protocol, countries that have achieved significant progress in setting, revising and/or implementing their targets in the period 2020–2022 will be invited to report on their efforts. Participants will discuss: the benefits and specific challenges encountered when setting, revising or implementing targets; and existing solutions; and lessons learned. Participants will also be invited to highlight how other programme areas under the Protocol have influenced target setting at the national and local levels. 34. Subsequently, the Meeting of the Parties will review the implementation of the Protocol on the basis of the national summary reports submitted by Parties during the fifth reporting cycle. 6 In this respect, the joint secretariat will present the regional report on the status of implementation of the Protocol. The Meeting of the Parties will also take note of reports submitted by signatories and other States that are not Parties to the Protocol. 35. Participants will be invited to discuss the main trends, challenges and solutions emerging from the fifth reporting exercise of 2021–2022. 36. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the period 2023–2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates will also be invited to express interest in organizing national and/or subregional capacity-building events to support target setting and implementation in the forthcoming triennium. Documentation Regional report on the status of implementation of the Protocol (ECE/MP.WH/2022/5- EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/11) 7. Assistance to support accession and implementation at the national level Tentative timing: Wednesday, 16 November, 5.30–6 p.m. 37. A representative of the ECE secretariat will inform Parties about the support for implementation of the Protocol at the national level provided by the ECE-led National Policy Dialogues on Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Supply and Sanitation under the EU4Environment – Water Resources and Environmental Data programme and the European Union Water Initiative National Policy Dialogues in Central Asia project. The ECE secretariat will also report on other international projects promoting implementation of the Protocol at the national level. 38. A representative of the WHO Regional Office for 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. 39. The joint secretariat will introduce suggested future activities for the period 2023– 2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates from 6 See https://unece.org/fifth-reporting-exercise-under-protocol-water-and-health-november-2021-april- 2022 7 ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 States not yet Parties to the Protocol will be invited to express interest in organizing national and/or subregional events to promote accession to the Protocol in the forthcoming triennium. Documentation Overview of activities in member States under the biennial collaborative agreements of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to support implementation of the Protocol’s programme of work for 2020–2022 (informal document) 8. Increasing resilience to climate change Tentative timing: Thursday, 17 November, 10–11 a.m. 40. The lead country will report on activities and progress made in the area of increasing resilience to climate change in the past triennium. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the development of the Background Note on Increasing Resilience to Climate Change through the Protocol on Water and Health, which provides an overview of how the Protocol’s framework, areas of work and tools can support action to address climate- sensitive health and environmental risks. 41. Participants will also be informed about the outcomes of the Global workshop on building climate resilience through improving water management and sanitation at national and transboundary levels (Geneva (online), 29–31 March 2021), jointly organized with the Water Convention, and of the outcomes of the special session on climate change held during the thirteenth meeting of the Working Group on Water and Health (Geneva (hybrid), 19–20 May 2022). 42. The lead country will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the period 2023–2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates will also be invited to express interest in organizing national, subregional and/or regional capacity-building events on increasing resilience to climate change in the forthcoming triennium. Documentation Background Note on Increasing Resilience to Climate Change through the Protocol on Water and Health (ECE/MP.WH/2022/7-EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/13) 9. Compliance procedure Tentative timing: Thursday, 17 November, 11 a.m.–noon 43. The Chair of the Compliance Committee under the Protocol will report on the Committee’s activities in the past triennium. In particular, he will report on the outcomes of the review of compliance with the obligation to set targets and target dates under article 6 of the Protocol; and the Consultation Process. 44. 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, revise as necessary and adopt a draft decision on general issues of compliance, prepared by the Committee. 45. Parties will be invited to express interest in undertaking a consultation with the Committee under the Consultation Process in the period 2023–2025 as part of the future programme of work. 46. The Meeting of the Parties is expected to elect six members of the Compliance Committee, in accordance with the procedure set out in the annex to decision I/2 on the review of compliance (ECE/MP.WH/2/Add.3–EUR/06/5069385/1/Add.3). 8  ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 Documentation Report of the Compliance Committee to the Meeting of the Parties, including the decision on general issues of compliance (ECE/MP.WH/2022/6-EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/12) List of nominated candidates for the Compliance Committee, together with curricula vitae and supporting documentation (informal document) 10. Prevention and reduction of water-related diseases Tentative timing: Thursday, 17 November, noon–1 p.m. 47. The lead Parties will report on activities and progress made in the area of prevention and reduction of water-related diseases in the past triennium. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the development of two training modules: (a) Surveillance and outbreak management of water-related infectious diseases associated with water-supply systems; and (b) Surveillance of drinking water using risk-based approaches. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to endorse these training materials for use in capacity-building activities. 48. The Meeting of the Parties will be briefed on the outcomes of the Expert meeting on prevention and control of legionellosis in the pan-European region (online, 30 November–2 December 2021), including supporting activities focusing on the burden of legionellosis in the region and existing regulatory frameworks. 49. A representative of the WHO Regional Office for Europe secretariat will report on the utility of surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater in the context of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development of an interim guidance document and associated questions and answers. Participants will be invited to share their experiences in setting up and implementing environmental surveillance programmes for SARS-CoV-2. 50. Representatives of Parties and other States will be invited to report on activities towards strengthening water-related disease surveillance and outbreak response systems at the national and local levels in accordance with article 8 of the Protocol, including their experiences in using the practical tools developed under the Protocol: Strengthening surveillance and outbreak management of water-related infectious diseases associated with water supply systems 7 and Strengthening drinking water surveillance using risk-based approaches. 8 51. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the period 2023–2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates will also be invited to express interest in organizing national or subregional capacity-building events on water-related disease and/or water quality surveillance in the forthcoming triennium. Documentation Expert meeting on prevention and control of legionellosis in the pan-European region: Meeting report – Virtual meeting, 30 November–2 December 2021 (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) Training module on risk-based water quality surveillance (informal document) Training module on water-related disease surveillance and outbreak management (informal document) The Protocol on Water and Health and the COVID-19 pandemic: Relevance, lessons learned and future perspectives (informal document) 7 Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2019. 8 Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2019. 9 ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 Expert consultation on public health needs related to surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: Summary report – Virtual meeting, 30 November 2020 (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2021) Environmental surveillance for SARS-COV-2 to complement public health surveillance: Interim Guidance (Geneva, WHO, 2022) Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2: Questions and answers (Q and A) (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) 11. Institutional water, sanitation and hygiene Tentative timing: Thursday, 17 November, 3–4 p.m. 52. The lead Parties will report on activities and progress made in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene in schools and health-care facilities in the past triennium. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the outcomes of the two editions of the Subregional workshop on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in schools (online, 6–8 July 2021 and 4–6 April 2022), as well as the objectives and key contents of the two following publications: (a) Improving quality of care through better water, sanitation and hygiene: A pan-European perspective; and (b) Water, sanitation and hygiene in health-care facilities: A practical tool for situation assessment and improvement planning. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to endorse these publications. 53. The Meeting of the Parties will be briefed on the progress of implementation of World Health Assembly resolution 72.7 on water, sanitation and hygiene in health-care facilities, 9 specifically the outcomes of national assessments undertaken in Georgia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia and Tajikistan. 54. Representatives of Parties and other States will be invited to report on national activities on water, sanitation and hygiene in schools and health-care facilities, including on the setting and implementation of targets and on experiences in using the practical tools developed under the Protocol to improve surveillance and management of water, sanitation and hygiene in schools. Participants will also be invited to report on particular measures taken in schools and health-care facilities in the context of the pandemic and World Health Assembly resolution 73.1 on COVID-19 response. 55. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the period 2023–2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates will also be invited to express interest in organizing national or subregional capacity-building events on water, sanitation and hygiene in schools and health-care facilities in the forthcoming triennium. Documentation Improving quality of care through better water, sanitation and hygiene: A pan-European perspective (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) Water, sanitation and hygiene in health-care facilities: A practical tool for situation assessment and improvement planning (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) National situational analysis of water, sanitation and hygiene in health-care facilities in Serbia: Summary report (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2020) Water, sanitation and hygiene in schools: Meeting summary, 6–8 July 2021 (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2021) Water, sanitation and hygiene in schools: Meeting summary, 4–6 April 2022 (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) 9 WHO, Seventy-second World Health Assembly, Geneva, 20–28 May 2019 – Resolutions and decisions: Annexes, WHA72/2019/REC/1, resolution WHA72.7. 10  ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 12. Small-scale water supplies and sanitation Tentative timing: Thursday, 17 November, 4–5 p.m. 56. The lead Parties will report on activities and progress made in the area of small-scale water supplies and sanitation in the past triennium. 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 water supply and sanitation systems: Country activities towards achieving safe services. 57. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the objectives and key contents of the publication A field guide to improving small drinking water supplies: Water safety planning for rural communities, which provides a practical tool to support the adoption of water safety plans in small-scale systems. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to endorse the document. 58. Representatives of Parties and other States will also be invited to share experiences on water safety plan uptake in small systems and provide information on national activities and policy developments to improve small-scale water supply and sanitation, including progress regarding a field project to implement integrated water safety and sanitation safety plans in Serbia. 59. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the period 2023–2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates will also be invited to express interest in organizing national or subregional capacity-building events on small-scale water supply and sanitation in the forthcoming triennium. Documentation A field guide to improving small drinking water supplies: Water safety planning for rural communities (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) Small-scale water supply and sanitation systems: Country activities towards achieving safe services (informal document) Summary of the expert consultation on on-site sanitation (informal document) 13. Safe and efficient management of water supply and sanitation systems Tentative timing: Thursday, 17 November, 5–6 p.m. 60. The lead Parties will report on activities and progress made in the area of safe and efficient management of water supply and sanitation systems in the past triennium. In particular, the Meeting of the Parties will be briefed on the outcomes of the two online Expert consultations on on-site sanitation in the pan-European region held, respectively, on 5–7 October 2021 and 24 June 2022. 61. The Meeting of the Parties will be informed about the publication Delivering safe sanitation for all: Areas for action to improve the situation in the pan-European region, aimed at presenting available evidence regarding the status of sanitation in the pan-European region and the challenges and opportunities in the sanitation sector, and recommending priorities for policy attention and action. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to endorse the publication Delivering safe sanitation for all: Areas for action to improve the situation in the pan-European region. 62. Representatives of Parties and other States will be invited to provide information on national activities and policy developments relating to the implementation of water safety and sanitation safety planning approaches, including uptake in national legislation and/or setting dedicated targets under the Protocol. Participants will also be invited to report on the implications of the pandemic for the provision of water supply and sanitation services and specific measures taken to ensure continued and safe operation of such systems. 11 ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 63. The lead Parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the period 2023–2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates will also be invited to express interest in organizing national or subregional capacity-building events on water and sanitation safety planning and/or sanitation regulations in the forthcoming triennium. Documentation Delivering safe sanitation for all: Areas for action to improve the situation in the pan- European region (Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2022) Summary of the expert consultation on on-site sanitation in the pan-European region (informal document) 14. Equitable access to water and sanitation: translating the human rights to water and sanitation into practice Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, 9.30–10.30 a.m. 64. The lead Parties will report on activities and progress made in the area of equitable access to water and sanitation in the past triennium, including the outcomes of the work of the Sixth Meeting of the Expert Group on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation (online, 24–25 March 2021) and the Regional Workshop on Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation: New policy developments, impacts of COVID-19 and options to ensure affordability (Geneva (hybrid), 13–14 June 2022). 65. The Meeting of the Parties will also be informed about the publication Making water and sanitation affordable for all: Policy options and good practices to ensure the affordability of safe drinking water and sanitation services in the pan-European region, which unpacks the concept of affordability of water and sanitation services and identifies and analyses different policy options to address affordability concerns. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to endorse this publication and to discuss how to promote its use. 66. Representatives of Parties and non-Parties that have applied The Equitable Access Score-card: Supporting policy processes to achieve the human right to water and sanitation 10 and the Guidance Note on the Development of Action Plans to Ensure Equitable Access to Water and Sanitation 11 will report on progress made in assessing the equity of access to water and sanitation and implementing actions to improve equitable access. 67. The lead parties will introduce suggested future work in this programme area for the period 2023–2025. The Meeting of the Parties will discuss the proposed activities. Country delegates will also be invited to express interest in the application of the Protocol tools on equity during the forthcoming triennium. Documentation Making water and sanitation affordable for all: Policy options and good practices to ensure the affordability of safe drinking water and sanitation services in the pan-European region (United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/20) 15. Financing of the Protocol on Water and Health Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, 10.30 a.m.–noon 68. The financing of the Protocol on Water and Health largely relies on voluntary contributions. While there has been a positive development since the last session of the Meeting of the Parties, with more Parties contributing to both ECE and WHO Protocol trust funds, the overall financial situation remains very challenging. A specific round table 10 ECE/MP.WH/8. 11 United Nations publication, ECE/MP.WH/15. 12  ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 discussion on financing will be organized with Parties to the Protocol, focusing on the resources needed to ensure the reliable and successful implementation of the Protocol. 69. The round table discussion will start with the joint secretariat setting the scene by presenting the overview of financing needs and contributions received since the Protocol entered into force in 2005, highlighting challenges faced with respect to the lack of resources as well as good practices by Parties. The joint secretariat will also provide an overview of the financial resources made available for the implementation of the programme of work for 2020–2022, and will introduce the overview of resource requirements for 2023–2025. 70. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to discuss the situation regarding staff resources in the ECE and WHO/Europe parts of the joint secretariat. In this regard, the meeting will be informed about the outcome of its request from the fifth session (Belgrade, 19–21 November 2019) to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to provide additional regular budget resources for ECE secretariat staff. 12 71. Subsequently, Parties will be invited to make short interventions on the financial contributions that they could provide in order to support implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025, as well as how they could support efforts to enhance the sustainability and predictability of financing under the Protocol, based on the following guiding questions: (a) What financial contribution can your country make in order to support implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025 (e.g., funding from the competent authorities represented by the Protocol focal points, other national entities, including ministries of foreign affairs and development cooperation agencies, and/or other sources)? (b) As a Party, how can your country support efforts to enhance the sustainability and predictability of financing under the Protocol? (c) How can your country contribute in kind to the Protocol’s activities (for example, by planning and implementing activities foreseen under the programme of work for 2023–2025, hosting meetings, including travel for participants and logistical meeting arrangements, or supporting the production of publications)? 72. During the round table discussion, all Parties will be invited to reply to these questions. Representatives of other States, relevant international and non-governmental organizations and other partners may also take the floor. Documentation Concept note for a round table discussion on the financing of the Protocol on Water and Health (informal document) Overview of contributions and expenditures for the period 2020–2022 (ECE/MP.WH/2022/4-EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/10) Draft programme of work for 2023–2025 (ECE/MP.WH/2022/2- EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/08) 16. Programme of work for 2023–2025, terms of reference of bodies established to implement it and resources needed for its implementation Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, noon–12.30 p.m. and 2.30–4.15 p.m. 73. 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 2023–2025. In doing so, the Meeting of the Parties will: (a) Agree on the structure of the programme of work, future activities and lead countries; 12 ECE/MP.WH/19-EUPCR/1814149/1.2/2019/MOP-5/06, para. 97 (d). 13 ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 (b) Also agree on the intergovernmental bodies, along with their respective mandates and terms of reference, to guide the implementation of the programme of work; (c) Taking into consideration the outcomes of the round table on financing for the Protocol on Water and Health (item 15 above), make arrangements related to the financial and human resources needed to implement the activities contained in the programme of work and indicate funding for these activities. 74. In relation to the above, the Meeting of the Parties will be invited to consider and adopt the overview of extrabudgetary resources needed for the implementation of the programme of work for 2023–2025. Documentation Report on the implementation of the programme of work for 2020–2022 (ECE.MP.WH/2022/3) Overview of contributions and expenditures for the period 2020–2022 (ECE.MP.WH/2022/4) Draft programme of work for 2023–2025 (ECE/MP.WH/2022/2- EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/08) Provisional calendar of meetings under the Protocol on Water and Health and the Water Convention in 2023 (informal document) 17. Partners in implementation Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, 4.15–4.45 p.m. 75. In accordance with article 16 (3) (c) 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 decisions taken at the ninth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention (Geneva, 29 September–1 October 2021), especially regarding the implementation of the Convention at the global level and the opportunities for joint action by the two governing bodies. 76. Considering that the success of the programme of work’s implementation 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 partners will be invited to present ideas and proposals for cooperation in the framework of the programme of work for 2023–2025. 18. Date and venue of the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, 4.45–4.50 p.m. 77. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to set dates and agree on the venue for its seventh ordinary session. 19. Other business Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, 4.50–4.55 p.m. 78. Delegates wishing to propose points under this item are requested to inform the joint secretariat as soon as possible. 14  ECE/MP.WH/23 EUCHP/2219533/3.1/2022/MOP-6/03 20. Presentation of the main decisions Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, 4.55–5.20 p.m. 79. The Chair will present the main decisions taken by the Meeting of the Parties. The Meeting of the Parties will be invited to entrust the joint secretariat, in consultation with the Bureau, with finalizing the report of its sixth session. 21. Closing of the session Tentative timing: Friday, 18 November, 5.20–5.30 p.m. 80. The Chair will make a final statement and will then officially close the session. 15 Ref.: 2022/OES/175/ENV/106 Geneva and Copenhagen, 9 August 2022 Excellencies, We have the honour and pleasure to invite the Republic of Estonia to the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. The meeting is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe and will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 16 to 18 November 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has re-emphasized the critical role of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services as the first line of defence in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Improving water, sanitation, hygiene and health remains a priority in the pan-European region, as it is key to support the recovery process towards a more resilient world after COVID-19 and it is a matter of human rights and dignity, sustainability and social development. Despite significant progress over the past decades, challenges persist in the provision of safe and equitable water and sanitation services, including the adequate management of wastewater, and the region continues to experience a considerable burden of water-related diseases, impairing health, well-being and the productivity of individuals and communities. Other emerging risks include the increasing effects of climate change on water resources and WASH services, environmental pollution, and the transmission of antimicrobial resistance through the water environment, all of which raising public health and environmental concerns. The Protocol on Water and Health offers a powerful legal instrument to take action addressing these challenges. It has facilitated remarkable progress in the region, particularly in providing safe and equitable water and sanitation services, reducing the occurrence of water-related diseases and promoting sound water management. The Protocol also contributes to advancing the implementation of global and regional commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Declaration of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Ostrava Declaration). The Meeting of the Parties will be a key milestone for the implementation of the Protocol and an opportunity to discuss strategic directions of the pan-European water, sanitation and health agenda. We herewith invite you to personally attend the high-level session “The Protocol on Water and Health: Strengthening the resilience of WASH and health services in times of climate change and pandemics” on 16 November 2022. The segment aims to take stock of countries’ responses to His Excellency His Excellency Mr. Madis Kallas Mr. Peep Peterson Minister of the Environment Minister of Health and Labour of the Republic of Estonia of the Republic of Estonia Tallinn Tallinn  Page 2 ensure access to water, sanitation and hygiene in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also foster an open dialogue on how to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in the pan-European region to ensure climate-resilient WASH and health services. The main outcomes of the session will be brought forward towards the 2023 United Nations Water Conference (New York, 22–24 March 2023) and the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, July 2023). The general segment of the Meeting of the Parties will be dedicated to the review of achievements made and lessons learned over the past three years of implementing the Protocol, including in the areas of prevention and reduction of water-related diseases, improving WASH in schools and health care facilities, safe management of water supply and sanitation systems, and equitable access to water and sanitation for all. Most importantly, the Meeting of the Parties will adopt a new programme of work for the period 2023-2025, which is the main instrument to support the Protocol’s implementation and to respond to countries’ priorities and needs. We invite the Republic of Estonia to support the implementation of the programme of work, through active participation in the activities, as well as financial and in-kind contributions. To this end, the meeting will feature a round-table on financing with all Parties, which will take place on 18 November 2022. Your delegation is cordially invited to prepare an intervention to this effect. Please find enclosed the provisional agenda for the Meeting of the Parties, as well as the draft concept of the high-level session. Additional information, including on the procedure for registration and financial support for eligible participants, is available on the website: https://unece.org/info/Environmental-Policy/Water-Convention/events/360848. For any further questions, please contact the secretariat by e-mail ([email protected]). As the Protocol is an intersectoral instrument by nature and given the variety and inter- relationship of the issues to be discussed at the meeting, it is crucial that your country’s delegation includes representatives of the water, environment and health sectors. We kindly invite you to designate your representatives and communicate them to the secretariat by e-mail and by registering for the meeting no later than 1 October 2022. We very much look forward to welcoming you and your delegation in Geneva. Please accept, Excellencies, the assurances of our highest consideration. Olga Algayerova Hans Henri P. Kluge Executive Secretary Regional Director United Nations World Health Organization Economic Commission for Europe Regional Office for Europe Enclosures (4) High-level session during the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties The Protocol on Water and Health: Strengthening the resilience of WASH and health services in times of climate change and pandemics Wednesday, 16 November 2022, Geneva, Switzerland CONCEPT NOTE BACKGROUND Global drivers, such as climate change, population growth, urbanization, environmental pollution, alter the availability and quality of freshwater resources and challenge access to safe and reliable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, exacerbating already existing challenges. The COVID- 19 pandemic in particular has shown both how vulnerable WASH and health services can be, but also how important they are in helping countries to recover from the impacts. The consequences of climate change, such as water quality changes, water scarcity, floods and sea level rise, together with their social, economic and environmental impacts, are a rapidly emerging concern across the pan-European region that requires the urgent attention of policymakers, scientists and practitioners. The impact of these changes on WASH services and behaviours and on water resources is multifaceted and can have significant public health and environmental consequences exacerbating the occurrence of water-related diseases and environmental degradation. In April 2022, the pan-European regional preparatory meeting for the UN 2023 Water Conference also highlighted the urgent need for the region to further strengthen our adaptation to climate change to accelerate progress in making drinking water and sanitation available, safe and affordable for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of WASH services as the first line of defence in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious disease. The World Health Assembly resolution 73.1 on COVID-19 response identified WASH as a central component, calling upon countries “to take measures to support access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and infection prevention and control, ensuring that adequate attention is paid to the promotion of personal hygienic measures in all settings, including humanitarian settings, and particularly in health facilities”. These emerging challenges require appropriate intersectoral and multi-stakeholder action among numerous relevant sectors, including health, environment and water along with the joint development of strategies and recommendations to respond to them. Through its multi-sectoral convening power, its target setting and accountability framework, and its various tools on offer, the Protocol on Water and Health can play an important role in building forward better and fairer from the pandemic while addressing the effects of climate change. In the last twenty years, the Protocol has supported remarkable progress in water, sanitation, hygiene and health across the region, particularly in providing access to safe and equitable drinking water and sanitation services, improving drinking water quality, reducing the occurrence of water-related disease incidents and outbreaks, and sound water resource management. The Protocol continues to contribute to advancing and operationalizing the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in countries of the region, especially in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Ensure availability and 1 sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) and Goal 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages). It can support the recovery process towards a more resilient world after COVID-19 by placing access to essential services, such as universal and equitable access to safe and climate-resilient drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for all in all settings, at the centre. The Protocol also seeks to support policymakers in integrating adaptation to climate change impacts into water and sanitation policy and strategic planning, while helping water and sanitation service operators to effectively manage climate risks. SESSION OBJECTIVE The high-level session will provide an opportunity to appraise progress and take stock of the concrete results of countries’ responses to ensure access to water, sanitation, hygiene and health for all in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and possible future pandemics. It will also foster an open dialogue on how to tackle the persisting gaps and challenges posed by climate change in the pan-European region to create climate-resilient WASH and health services. The main outcomes of the session will be reflected in a summary of proposed actions and recommendations, which will be brought forward towards the 2023 United Nations Water Conference (New York, 22-24 March 2023) and inform the formulation of the declaration of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (Budapest, July 2023). The strategic session will present examples of country-led initiatives that illustrate the key role of the Protocol on Water and Health in ensuring WASH across countries and sectors in the context of pandemic and in increasing the resilience of WASH and health services to climate change. It will also discuss how to move forward to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 3, 6 and 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts), including mobilizing commitments towards the UN 2023 Water Conference. The session will focus on the following questions:  What are the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and how can we further prioritize national and local WASH actions and policies to effectively respond to and recover from the pandemic and prevent future outbreaks, including to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6? - How can immediate policy responses be taken to secure and extend WASH service provision in times of pandemics? - What WASH interventions should be prioritized in the context of the pandemic to better protect the health and well-being of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations? - How can national targets bet set and action plans be developed under the Protocol to help countries respond to and recover from the pandemic?  How can the impacts of climate change on water, sanitation and health services in the pan- European region be effectively addressed with a view of achieving Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 13? - What policy and practical responses has your country taken to strengthen the resilience of water resources, water and sanitation facilities and services to the effects of climate change? - How can the Protocol framework and its tools further support countries to strengthen climate resilience in water management and in the WASH and health sectors? 2 SESSION FORMAT The session will begin with welcome addresses by high-level officials from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. A first keynote speech will set the scene by providing a landscape analysis of how the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the water, sanitation and health situation in the pan-European region and outlining how the Protocol framework can support countries to respond to and recover from it. A second keynote speech will provide insights into the effects of climate change in the pan-European region and their impacts on water, sanitation and health services and sectors, and explore what opportunities exist at both technical and political levels to address them, including through the Protocol. Following each keynote speech, a panel composed of high-level representatives from countries and international and non-governmental organizations will discuss a range of priority issues related to the challenges posed by the pandemic and by climate change to the WASH and health services and facilities. Panelists will discuss existing options, good practices and solutions to tackle these threats and impacts in the pan-European region and also be invited to reflect on the role of the Protocol in shaping the regional agenda on water, sanitation and health and in achieving the 2030 Agenda. Subsequently, Parties, other States and stakeholders will be invited to participate in an interactive, moderated discussion on the above issues, through interventions from the floor. Priority will be given to high-level speakers (such as ministers, deputy ministers, state secretaries, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies). Interventions and statements should not exceed three minutes. To facilitate the running of the high-level session, delegations planning to make a statement are invited to inform the secretariat in advance. 3 Sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health 16–18 November 2022 Geneva, Switzerland UN high-level meeting on advancing water, sanitation and hygiene for better health in the pan-European region The Protocol on Water and Health The Protocol on Water and Health is a unique legally-binding instrument aimed at attaining safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation for everyone, through sustainable management of water resources. Over the past 20 years, the Protocol has supported significant progress in water, sanitation, and health in the pan- European region thanks to its target setting mechanism. It is a powerful tool towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6, among others, and the 2017 Ostrava Declaration on Environment and Health by promoting integration of policies through a holistic and preventive approach to water, sanitation and health. 16 November 2022 16–18 November 2022 High-level session on climate Discussion on achievements change and COVID-19 and future activities The high-level session will review Representatives from countries and actions and lessons learned in organizations will review achievements, ensuring safe water and sanitation exchange best practices, reflect on and adequate hygiene during challenges and identify future priorities the COVID-19 pandemic. The and activities to be implemented under discussion will contribute to driving the Protocol in coming three years. The forward leadership and progress in priority areas include: strengthening preparedness and response to future emergencies. • Improved governance for water and health The session will also focus on how • Prevention and reduction of water- to ensure climate resilience in WASH related diseases and health services, and advocate • Water, sanitation and hygiene in for stronger integration of WASH schools, health-care facilities and and health aspects into national public spaces climate change response and • Small-scale water supply and adaptation strategies and actions. sanitation • Safe management of water supply The main outcomes of the session and sanitation systems will be presented to the 2023 United • Equitable access to water and Nations Water Conference and the sanitation and realization of the Seventh Ministerial Conference on human rights Environment and Health. • Stronger climate resilience of water and sanitation More information: https://unece.org/environmental-policy/events/6thsession-MOP-Protocol Contact the joint secretariat at: UNECE: [email protected] WHO Regional Office for Europe: [email protected]