SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Sustainable Development Goal

06   Clean Water and Sanitation


Clean Water and Sanitation

6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.



Water for Life and Peace

Through our advocacy we work to lobby for international frameworks to promote water as a fundamental human right. Our practical projects provide sustainable, community-owned infrastructure that provides WHO standard drinking water to vulnerable communities around the world.


6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.


Water for Life and Peace

Our practical projects bring sanitation to communities worldwide. By working closely with schools, GCI prioritizes the needs of vulnerable children. Moreover, we provide gender-sensitive sanitation infrastructure – which not only improves the hygienic conditions for girls, but also ensures that their educational progress is not impeded by lack of sanitation.


6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. 


Environmental Security and Sustainability

By safely and responsibly disposing of hazardous chemicals and pesticides, GCI improves water quality by ensuring that harmful chemicals do not permeate into groundwater and impact the water cycle. Furthermore, by locating and seeking to clean up areas formerly used as ammunition dumps at sea, GCI works to mitigate chemical pollution to minimise impacts on local coastal communities.


6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.


Water for Life and Peace

All of our practical water projects deliver responsible and sustainably managed water infrastructure. Our community owned model also provides local communities with the autonomy and training to sustainably manage their own water infrastructure and supply.


6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.


Water for Life and Peace

GCI’s advocacy strongly supports international frameworks, such as the UN Watercourses Convention of 1997, to ensure transboundary cooperation in the management of water resources.


6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.


Water for Life and Peace

Our advocacy, alongside our multi-stakeholder approach to water management issues, brings together international, national, regional and local actors to ensure the long-term protection of vulnerable water-related ecosystems around the world.


6a. By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies. 


Water for Life and Peace

Our international network enables a sharing of technology and resources across national organisations and between countries. For instance, Green Cross Italy has worked closely to deliver water and sanitation projects in Senegal, including rainwater harvester and wastewater treatment.


6b. Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.


Water for Life and Peace

Our practical projects provide sustainable and durable water infrastructure, which are managed by local communities. Doing so not only delivers high-quality infrastructure but nurtures local capacity building to maximise its long-term impact.




How can you help reach the Sustainability Development Goals?


Here is UN's definition of the SDG's

6 Clean Water and Sanitation


6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all


6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations


6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally


6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity



6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate


6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes


6.A By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies


6.B Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

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