Global South Academic Conclave 2025 Addresses WASH And Climate Challenges

The CEPT University recently hosted the second edition of the Global South Academic Conclave (GSAC) focusing on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate 2025, starting on February 21. This event was a collaboration between the Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) at the CEPT Research Development Foundation (CRDF) and the Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, with backing from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Viega Foundation. Over three days, the conclave united experts and key players to tackle urgent issues in the water and sanitation sector, especially in the face of evolving climate conditions. A significant moment of the conclave was the unveiling of the PAS@15 report, marking a decade and a half of the Performance Assessment System (PAS) that has been instrumental in enhancing urban WASH performance in India through data-driven approaches.

"One of the key highlights of the conclave's opening day was the unveiling of the PAS@15 report, which commemorates the 15-year milestone of the Performance Assessment System (PAS)."

Since its inception in 2009, PAS has notably extended its coverage from 414 to over 800 cities across several Indian states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam, and Sikkim. This expansion has brought the system's benefits to a population of 115 million, positioning it as the largest database connecting WASH and climate issues for urban India. The PAS system, developed by CWAS, serves as a cornerstone for cities aiming to become more sustainable and climate-resilient by providing critical data on water efficiency, sanitation infrastructure, and solid waste management. It underscores the importance of performance measurement in achieving tangible improvements in the face of climate uncertainties and promotes data-driven governance as the bedrock for sustainable, resilient, and equitable city development.

Professor Barjor Mehta, President of CEPT University, during his opening speech, emphasized the significance of academic forums like GSAC in addressing climate change. He highlighted the academia's role as guardians of knowledge and their responsibility to unify various stakeholders towards actionable consensus. "We, the academia, are the custodians of knowledge, experience and the drive towards addressing the issues of climate change. We must document the developments and foster an active community so that we can continue contributing towards policymaking in the years to come," Mehta remarked. This statement underscores the conclave's objective of leveraging academic insight to inform policy and practice in the realm of WASH and climate adaptation.

The conclave's agenda spanned a wide array of discussions, covering topics from WASH outcome monitoring and the financing of climate-resilient WASH practices to the interplay between WASH, climate, and urban planning. Esteemed speakers, including K Srinivas, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, and representatives from prominent organizations like SPARC, CSE, and WHO, shared their insights, further enriching the dialogue on these critical issues.

Reflecting on the journey and achievements of CWAS since its foundation, Professors Dinesh Mehta and Meera Mehta, heads of CWAS, shared insights from the PAS@15 report. They highlighted the project's inception following a grant from the Gates Foundation and its evolution into a comprehensive online system for urban water supply and sanitation performance assessment in India. Available for public access, the full report details the strides made in enhancing urban WASH and climate resilience over the past 15 years.

CEPT University, renowned for its contributions to education and research in architecture, planning, design, technology, and urban management, has recently been recognized as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design by the Government of India. This accolade, accompanied by a Rs. 250 Crore endowment, underscores the university's commitment to developing India-specific knowledge in urban planning and design over the next quarter-century. Established in 1962, CEPT University has consistently worked towards enriching urban life in India through its educational, research, and advisory endeavors, maintaining over 30 international collaborations and exchange programs with leading global institutions.

To conclude, the Global South Academic Conclave (GSAC) on WASH and Climate 2025 at CEPT University has set the stage for meaningful advancements in addressing the intertwined challenges of water, sanitation, hygiene, and climate change. Through discussions, the launch of the PAS@15 report, and contributions from a broad spectrum of experts, the event has underscored the critical role of data-driven approaches and collaborative efforts in fostering climate-resilient urban futures.