Basic Information
World Toilet Day is observed with an aim to spread the importance of sanitation facilities and also to inspire actions to tackle global sanitation crisis.
Observed on: 19 November
Organized by: UN, WHO, UNICEF, WTO, UN Water
Introduced in: 2001 by WTO, UN Resolution in 2013
Observed: Internationally
About World Toilet Day
The World Toilet Organization (WTO) is a non-profit organization committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide. WTO declared its founding day, 19 November as World Toilet Day in 2001.
UN General Assembly in July 2013 adopted the “Sanitation for All” resolution, designating 19 November as World Toilet Day. UN-Water in collaboration with Governments and relevant stakeholders coordinate the day.
Observance of this day is important as about 2.5 billion people do not have access to proper sanitation, including toilets or latrines. This will have wide consequences on human health, dignity and security, the environment, and social and economic development.
The objective of this initiative is to make sanitation for all a global development priority and urge changes in both behavior and policy on issues ranging from improving water management to ending open defecation.
Activities and Programs on WTD
Every year NGOs, UN agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations and the international community celebrate the day with various programs and activities. They organize actions and programs based on a theme selected for the year starting from 2012.
Different organizations conduct education and outreach programs to spread the importance and address the sanitation crisis. Organizations, schools, colleges, etc. conduct many events like urgent run, rallies, etc. to spread the message. These programs aim to give importance of urgent matters that should consider now.
Many activities are also conduct throughout the year to improve sanitation facilities for people. Social media campaigns are included with hashtag #WTD.
Theme for World Toilet Day
World Toilet Day 2020 Theme is “Sustainable sanitation and climate change“
WTD 2019 Theme was “Toilets For All”
WTD 2018 Theme was “When Nature Calls“
2017 Theme: Wastewater
2016 Theme: Toilets and jobs
2015 Theme: Sanitation and Nutrition
2014 Theme: Equality and Dignity
2013 Theme: Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future
2012 Theme: I give a shit, do you?