Latest news with #SDG6
India Today
12 hours ago
- General
- India Today
Australian University's groundwater initiative transforms 20,000 Indian villages
Western Sydney University's work on the MARVI project in India has reached over 3 lakh households in more than 20,000 villages across seven states. The project focuses on improving groundwater use and irrigation security through local management. In Rajasthan's Dharta watershed, the Village Groundwater Cooperative model, based on the '4S' approach -- Scrutiny, Store, Share, Sustain—is helping farmers manage shared water university is also training NGOs, government staff, and water professionals, supporting long-term water management and capacity building. These efforts contributed to Western Sydney's 9th place global ranking for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Professor George Williams described the repeated ranking success as proof of the university's role in delivering public good and effective community partnerships. He emphasised that the ranking measures real-world outcomes -- not just academic metrics .Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott also praised the MARVI program, highlighting its focus on female groundwater volunteers, known as Bhujal Jaankars, and its support for women-led water said the program empowers farmers to make informed crop choices based on water availability, reinforcing both community engagement and skill development.\HOW DID UNIVERSITY PERFORMadvertisement4th worldwide for SDG15 (Life on Land)7th for SDG5 (Gender Equality)8th for SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)9th for SDGs 17,6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities)10th for SDG14 (Life Below Water) and SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)The THE Impact Rankings assess universities on teaching, research, operations, policy, and outreach -- all tied to positive societal and environmental workThis year's No.1 positioning underscores Western Sydney University's position at the forefront of universities applying knowledge to service communities and the planet.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa struggles to meet water and sanitation goals as municipalities fail to maintain infrastructure
South Africa's water and sanitation struggles threaten achievement of sustainable development goals Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation expressed grave concerns regarding South Africa's progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by the year 2030. The committee's apprehension primarily stems from the evident weaknesses of water services authorities, coupled with the alarming inability of municipalities to maintain and operate essential water infrastructure. 'The diagnosis has always been clear; what is needed is a focused programme of action to change course and improve the quality of water for South Africans. While the National Water and Sanitation Indaba 2025 has made commendable resolutions, the inability of municipalities to correct course will render the recommendations futile,' said Chairperson of the committee, Leon Basson. SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. However, the committee highlighted a disturbing trend: the ongoing pollution of river streams, a direct consequence of municipalities failing to adequately operate and maintain their water and sanitation infrastructure. Such neglect not only endangers public health but also inflates the costs associated with water purification efforts. Another pressing concern raised by the committee pertains to the downstream effects of this infrastructural mismanagement. As rivers become increasingly contaminated, the financial burden of cleaning water rises, posing significant challenges to local governments already struggling under financial strain. While the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) holds the reins regarding policy directives for water management, the committee acknowledges the crucial roles played by sister departments, notably the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). Basson urged an immediate and coordinated response. 'It is important that the resolution taken by the water and sanitation indaba for the DWS and COGTA to engage with National Treasury to review water and sanitation conditional grants with a view to addressing the challenge of maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure is urgent and must be implemented without delay," he said. The committee also underscored the potential for innovative solutions, advocating for water services authorities and providers to build partnerships with the private sector. Drawing on the support of the Water Partnerships Office could prove beneficial, especially given that current fiscal constraints hinder the government's ability to adequately address infrastructure needs within the water sector. Moreover, the committee emphasised the necessity of top slicing the equitable share allocated to municipalities to manage the debt owed to water boards effectively. In doing so, they aim to ensure a functional cash flow throughout the water value chain, which is essential for addressing ongoing challenges.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Phoenix Contact Celebrates 100 Years with Sustainability Initiatives in the Middle East
DUBAI, UAE, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Contact, as a global market leader in industrial automation and connectivity, offers technical solutions for a livable and sustainable future, with electrification, networking, and automation as its core fields of expertise. Phoenix Contact Middle East in the United Arab Emirates is an independent subsidiary with local management, sales, training, support, and logistics operations. Their reliable presence in the region brings Phoenix Contact's products and expertise into closer proximity to their clients and partners in the Middle East. The company proudly announces the successful implementation of a sustainability project in Jordan as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. Committed to the sustainable use of living spaces and resource conservation, Phoenix Contact has long championed sustainability across its global operations. In honor of the company's 100th anniversary in 2023, Phoenix Contact Middle East launched several sustainability initiatives aimed at optimizing water resources. One notable project is the installation of reverse osmosis systems to provide clean drinking water to disadvantaged children and children with disabilities in Jordan. This initiative aims to reduce plastic bottle consumption and ensure access to safe water. "Phoenix Contact has launched a solid corporate social responsibility program. With small actions, we will make a big impact on society," states Pradeep Menon, Segment Manager - Industry Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact Middle East. Three schools in Jordan have been equipped with these systems: Al Rajaa School for the Hearing-Impaired, and two schools under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate; the oldest educational institution in Jordan. The reverse osmosis systems, now fully operational, are purifying municipal water supplies, significantly improving the quality of life for students and staff. The management of the schools expressed their gratitude, noting the positive impact on the health and learning environment of their students. This project not only benefits the school community but also serves as an inspiration for other businesses and communities to adopt responsible practices. We anticipate that a total of 1,223 individuals (comprising 1,098 students and 125 staff members) are drinking water from this RO system, potentially resulting in annual plastic waste savings of 4.4 tons per annum. "This aligns closely with our efforts to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and SDG 3, which promotes healthy lives and well-being for all ages. The reduction in plastic bottle usage due to this project will have a significant environmental impact. We hope this initiative inspires others to contribute to the betterment of local communities," emphasizes Iyad Madanat, General Manager at Phoenix Contact Middle East. The reverse osmosis systems, installed with the help of a local system integrator, include Phoenix Contact products such as PLC logic, HMI, and necessary alarms for system monitoring. This project exemplifies Phoenix Contact's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to making a positive impact on society. Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Phoenix Contact Middle East Sign in to access your portfolio
Arabian Business
08-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Bonds
The $100 million, 5-year Blue Bond priced at 5.25% coupon rate; Will fund significantly under-funded SDG 14 and SDG 6 of the United Nations
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Japan-backed upgrade triples clean water supply
In a ceremony at WASA's Jhal Khanwana Water Works Station, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) of Faisalabad formally inaugurated the upgraded 5?million gallons per day (MGD) capacity water treatment plant. Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi presided over the handover, joined by senior WASA officials and JICA representatives. Ambassador Akamatsu underscored the urgency of expanding Faisalabad's water infrastructure. "As Pakistan's third largest city, Faisalabad's population growth has outpaced its historic water supply," he said. "Between 2016 and 2019, JICA helped develop a master plan for water, sewage, and drainage through 2038. Upgrading this 19th century plant was our top priority." A grant exceeding Rs7?billion financed the rehabilitation of aging tanks, modernization of filtration systems, and replacement of transmission pipelines - tripling water output for urban and peri-urban areas. Managing Director WASA Aamer Aziz, represented by Deputy Managing Director Engineering Saqib Raza, praised the collaboration. "Learning from Japanese engineers has elevated our technical expertise," Raza said. "This facility now delivers clean water directly to more than 200,000 Faisalabad residents. The Punjab government's timely funding release was crucial to meeting project milestones." JICA's Resident Representative, Naoaki Miyata, emphasised the facility's impact on public health and sustainable development. "This project advances SDG 6ensuring clean water and sanitation for all," he noted. "We remain committed to technical cooperation that secures safe water supplies and bolsters local capacity." Project Director Ali Ahmed traced the project timeline: in March 2022 WASA established a project management unit; by year-end JICA had selected consultants and pre-qualified contractors; technical and financial bids concluded in mid-2023. To align costs with loan parameters, WASA revised the project scopereducing treatment capacity from 8?MGD to 5?MGD and shortening the maintenance phase. The revised PC-1 received provincial approval in January 2025, paving the way for this month's inauguration. The ceremony concluded with Ambassador Akamatsu unveiling a commemorative plaque and touring the revamped plant. Attendees included Deputy Managing Director Admin Shoaib Rashid.
