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ABOUT THE
CONFERENCE

Global South Conference on WASH Financing &
Sustainability April 1–3, 2026 | Kathmandu, Nepal

Despite global progress, a $140 billion annual financing gap remains for achieving safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services by 2030 (World Bank & GWSP, 2024).

Countries in the Global South face
the greatest challenge:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa: $4.6 billion currently spent, but $78.1 billion required annually.
  • South Asia: $4.7 billion spent vs. $40.8 billion required.
  • Low-Income Countries: $0.8 billion spent vs. $32.5 billion required.
At the same time, nearly one-quarter of WASH budgets go unspent due to limited institutional capacity and inefficiencies. This combination of financing gaps and under-utilization threatens sustainability and equity in WASH services.

The conference responds to this urgent need by providing a global platform for governments, investors, development partners, and practitioners to design sustainable financing pathways for the Global South.

Objectives

  • Generate actionable solutions to close financing and spending gaps.
  • Strengthen government capacity for efficient resource planning and utilization.
  • Promote long-term sustainability and climate-resilient WASH systems.
  • Develop roadmaps for large-scale project financing in selected countries.
  • Facilitate match-making opportunities between governments, funders, and investors.

Financing the Future for Innovation,
Climate Resiliency, and Equity

Who Will Attend?
The event will bring together 200–300 participants from 15–20++ countries across the Global South, including:
  • Government officials and policymakers
  • Development partners and funding agencies
  • Private sector and investors
  • Practitioners and NGOs
  • Political leaders
  • Youth and innovators
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the conference, we will have:
  • Clear policy recommendations for governments to strengthen financing and sustainability.
  • Practical roadmaps for countries to scale up large WASH projects.
  • A set of investment-ready projects identified for funders and investors.
  • Stronger networks and partnerships to carry the momentum forward.
Organized By
The conference is hosted by SOPHEN and WAFON in collaboration with Government of Nepal, Ministry of Water Supply (MoWS), Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM), with support from development partners, private sector, institutions and relevant agencies.
WHY THIS CONFERENCE?
Themes and Focus Areas
  • WASH sector initiative in project financing & implementation
  • Financing Bottlenecks & Solutions for efficient resource use
  • Climate-Resilient Innovation & Equity in WASH investments
  • Market linkage, Blended investment, Entrepreneurship
  • Costed roadmaps & Match-Making of WASH projects/div>
  • Cross-Sector Collaboration and Political/Policy Commitment