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Meeting Report

TWG WSH Task Force Meeting

2-3 April 2013, Bangkok, Thailand

1. Background information.

The Thematic Working Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (TWG WSH) is one of the seven inter-

country working groups established under the Charter of the Regional Forum on Environment and

Health in Southeast and East Asian Countries, which was adopted in 2007 by ministers and heads of

delegations of 14 countries through the Bangkok Declaration on Environment and Health. Presently 13

of the 14 countries collaborate in the TWG WSH’s three-year work plan, with the general objectives of

exchanging technical information, coordinating activities, conducting advocacy, and mobilizing resources.

The Bali Declaration of the 3rd

East Asia Ministerial Conference on Sanitation and Hygiene (10-12

September 2012) called upon the TWG-WSH to develop a regional sector monitoring system to support

the ongoing EASAN process.

The TWG – WSH had its 5th

annual meeting in 13 -14 September 2012 in Bali, Indonesia and agreed to

EASAN3’s request to develop a regional water and sanitation sector monitoring system. A task force for

this purpose was formed comprising of TWG-WSH members from Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia

with the responsibility of developing a detailed proposal for establishing the monitoring system for WSH,

including the identification of indicators and methods for collection and analysis of data and reporting.

The task force is expected to complete its work within the next four months in order to present its

proposal in the next meeting of the TWG WSH which, tentatively, is planned to take place in Philippines

in August 2013. UNICEF Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand had agreed to host the task force meeting

on 2 and 3 April 2013 with support from WHO.

2. Objectives of the meeting. The meeting aimed to (a) review current global/regional and country

monitoring systems; (b) establish the need for a region wide monitoring system; (c) draft proposal for

regional WSH monitoring system; (d) determine systems/procedures of identifying indicators and

methods for collection and analysis of data and reporting; (e) develop terms of reference for future

EASAN conference and strategies for identifying host country for EASAN4; and identify the agenda for

2013 TWG-WSH Meeting.

3. Results of the meeting

3.1 Attendance. The meeting was attended by nine (9) participants representing the government of

Cambodia; Indonesia; Philippines; and Thailand; and development partners, such as UNICEF-Bangkok;

Plan International Regional Office; WHO-Nepal; and WHO-Philippines. Names and details of participants

are in Annex 1.Representatives from Water and Sanitation Program – Worldbank and WaterAID

extended their apologies for not able to attend the meeting due to earlier commitments.

3.2. Opening session. The meeting was presided by Engr. Joselito Riego De Dios, Chair of the TWG-WSH,

and the Acting Division Chief of Environmental and Occupational Health Office of the Department of

Health, Philippines. Engr De Dios opened the meeting by the introduction of participants and by

presenting and approving the meeting agenda (Annex 2). Mr. Badloe of UNICEF Regional Office in

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Bangkok and Mr. Thompson of WHO-Nepal delivered the opening messages of their respective agencies.

Mr Badloe emphasized the need to focus on country initiatives and building / strengthening country

level capacity and systems, to ensure that monitoring system ensures that existing inequity of water and

sanitation services (as was agreed in the Bali declaration) is a key part , with need to ensure quality of

information, and the importance of simple and flexible monitoring system. On the other hand, Mr

Thompson highlighted the need for a win-win solution between TWG-WSH and EASAN processes and

not to allow the pursuit of perfection to delay the implementation of the regional monitoring system. He

felt that the TWG-WSH needed to respond positively to EASAN3’s request and that the regional

monitoring system could be improved over time. Engr. De Dios refreshed the group about the

agreement in Bali for developing a monitoring system that can track sector progress in the region and

the commitments of the participating countries as per declaration. He presented the overview of the

meeting, its objectives and expected outputs and the programme agenda for 2 days.

3.3 Presentation and discussion of Agenda 1 – Regional Monitoring System

3.3.1 Mr. Thompson presented three topics: overview of global and regional monitoring system where

he touched JMP and GLAAS; a draft concept note of the EASAN regional monitoring system and the

terms of reference of South Asia Sanitation Conference (SACOSAN).

In addition, Mr Badloe presented the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) monitoring landscape showing

the 4 groups of indicators (inputs, process, outputs and outcomes) and the various data collection

systems at sub-national, country, regional, and global levels. The framework showed how crowded the

monitoring system currently is at all levels, stressing the need for review of the current processes and

systems with a view of achieving better quality and simplification.

3.3.2 Key observations, reactions, comments, issues and discussion points on country and regional

monitoring systems were as follows:

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a) JMP data is sometimes different from national data. In Indonesia, for example, JMP reported

that its water coverage is 80% but the government data is showing only 40%.

b) GLAAS has many questions and quite complicated. However, it was noted that in some countries

like Thailand and Cambodia the process of reporting to GLAAS at the country level enabled

various sector stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner.

c) No single data for the sector; different sources of data are available. JMP uses data from

statistics office (with less government participation) while GLAAS uses data from sector agencies

(with more participation of sector agencies). Both processes request clearance from the

government.

d) Different definition of terms between statistics office and sector agencies and various

methodologies of data collection

e) Data disaggregation into urban and rural is not always available, also need gender

disaggregation

f) Budget data is difficult to gather and is not regularly collected by the sector

g) There are parallel regional initiatives, e.g. regional forum on environment and health and ASEAN

which might have monitoring functions also.

h) Creating a new regional monitoring system might complicate what is already existing and could

add additional burden to countries.

3.3.3. Conclusion and recommendations are as follows:

a. The to develop a roadmap for strengthening regional monitoring for EASAN to be able to track

progress of commitments and to compare country data as a means for determining country

strengths and weaknesses as basis of regional cooperation. It was agreed to instead of "establishing

a regional monitoring system" work towards a roadmap for strengthening country led monitoring from the

regional; which will i) use and strengthen the existing monitoring and reporting systems (GLAAS, JMP,

Regional Snapshots etc), ii) support country led simple system and in line with harmonization efforts and

support from global initiatives, and iii) focusing on monitoring the EASAN commitments (as

SACOSAN is doing); The draft concept note will be revised to reflect the discussion and will be

circulated for further comments.

b. Use existing system such as GLAAS and JMP regional snapshots and updates of EASAN

commitments for determining sanitation progress of member countries.

c. Develop a roadmap for monitoring to determine what are the existing monitoring systems and

the gaps for future improvements and assistance using the SWA framework. It was agreed that the

mapping of the Monitoring Initiatives / country level monitoring landscape mapped, using the SWA

framework (4 area - inputs, outputs, outcomes, process); the mapping could also document type of systems,

level that monitoring takes place, indicators monitored, but also recording what work, some positive

examples and lessons.; A Guidance Note / ToR will be developed for undertaking this

d. Link the regional monitoring system to other networks (Regional Forum on Environment and

Health, SACOSAN, JMP, GLAAS, ASEAN) and the global Sanitation and Water for All initiative for

harmonising the sector monitoring landscape.

3.3.4 Immediate next steps of TWG for the development of a regional monitoring system before August

2013:

a. Revise the concept note on EASAN regional monitoring (to be assisted by Mr. Thompson)

b. Develop a guideline on mapping of monitoring initiatives or country level monitoring landscapes

(to be led by TWG Chair)

c. Draft a TOR for developing a regional monitoring roadmap (to be led by TWG Chair)

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d. Communicate and initiate linkage with ASEAN by raising this as an agenda by country ministers

(TWG members to raise with their Country Ministers).

e. Contact GLAAS and JMP coordinators for regional snapshots (to be led by TWG Chair).

3.4 Presentation and discussion of Agenda 2 – Terms of reference for the conduct of East Asia Sanitation

Conference (EASAN).

3.4.1 Engr. Magtibay presented the draft concept note for conducting EASAN. He discussed the

proposed institutional set-up, general and specific TOR for pre-EASAN, during EASAN, and post-

EASAN; identification of host countries and fund sharing schemes. The draft proposal was

prepared based on some of the feedback/suggestions at the EASAN as well as looking at the

SACOSAN model with the end view of addressing the concern of lack of continuity between bi-

annual EASAN events.

3.4.2 Reactions, comments and suggestions

a. Even if there is a mention of TWG-WSH function in the Bali declaration, it is important to assess

the capacity of the TWG-WSH if they can deliver the functions expected from them. A (strengths,

weaknesses, opportunities and threats) SWOT analysis could be used as a tool to determine the

TWG-WSH capacity.

b. Alphabetical arrangement is the preferred mode for countries hosting EASAN. This scheme can

determine in advance the schedule of assigned countries to host so that they can prepare. On

another note, assigned countries in this alphabetical scheme will be given the right to decline if

not yet ready to host.

c. It is more efficient to use the existing TWG-WSH to support host countries for the conduct of

EASAN rather than creating a new inter-country body for managing EASAN.

d. China may be considered as a possible candidate for the 2014 EASAN for the following reasons:

timely for celebrating the country achievement of MDG target on sanitation.

e. Continuity of EASAN activities can be maintained by TWG-WSH. Host countries can be active

only during preparatory and actual conduct of the conference but all outputs gathered can be

maintained by TWG-WSH. Website of TWG-WSH under the Regional Forum on Environment and

Health can be explored to upload all outputs of EASAN.

f. Cost- sharing for the conduct of EASAN would depend on the economic level of the host country.

Low-income countries should have more shares from development partners; middle income

countries to have minimum share from development partners; and high-income countries to

shoulder all the cost). As basis of cost estimate, EASAN attendance is in the range of 300 to 500

participants.

3.4.3 Immediate next steps

a. Indonesia as 2012 EASAN host, to follow-up the letter sent to member countries about

hosting the 2014 EASAN.

b. TWG-WSH chair to request TWG-WSH members to follow-up the letter of Indonesia to their

respective countries about the hosting 2014 EASAN.

c. WHO and UNICEF to dialogue with country counterparts with regards to hosting 2014

EASAN to determine interest.

d. Revise the TOR for EASAN to include specific TOR for TWG-WSH, host country, and member

countries on pre, during, and post EASAN activities.

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3.5 Discussion of Agenda 3 – Agenda for the August 2013 TWG meeting

3.5.1 Since some of the topics were touched in the discussion of the above agenda 1 and 2, the agreed

agenda for August 2013 TWG meeting in Manila are as follows:

a) Concept Note on EASAN Monitoring (Roadmap)

b) Guidelines of Country Maps on Monitoring

c) EASAN terms of reference

d) Networking for monitoring (SWA, SACOSAN, ASEAN)

e) Review of TWG action plan (2010-2013)

f) SWOT analysis of TWG functions

3.5.2 The duration of the August 2013 TWG meeting is suggested to be conducted for 3 days to allow

additional day for the SWOT analysis.

3.6. The TWG Chair adjourned the meeting at 12 noon.

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Photo 1: Meeting participants: From right: Mr.Sophal Ky, Mr Bonifacio Magtibay, Mr. Chander Badloe, Mr Joselito Riego De Dios, Mr Terrence Thompson, Mrs. Suree Wongpiyachon, Hilda Winartasuputra, Mr. Eco Wiji Purwanto, Mrs. Neeranuch Arphacharus

Annex 1 – List of participants

Name Designation Country Contact Details

Mr. Eco Wiji Purwanto

Deputy Director for Water Sector Directorate for Housing and Settlements National Development Planning Agency BAPPENAS.

Indonesia

Email: ekowiji.purwanto@gmail.com

Sophal KY,Ph. Deputy Director Department of Rural Health Care/MRD, Ministry of Health -

Cambodia Phone (855) 23 884 472

Fax (855) 23 881 093

Mobile (855) 11 754 536

(855) 77 754 536

(855) 977 545 366

email:sophalky@gmail.com

Mr. Joselito M. Riego de Dios

OIC – Division Chief Environmental and Occupational Health Office Department of Health

Philppines

Tel. 632 7329966 Email litoriego@yahoo.com

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Annex 2 – Meeting Agenda

AGENDA

Time Activity Presenter DAY 1: 02 April 2013 0830 - 0900 Registration Secretariat 0900 - 0945 Opening Session Welcome by UNICEF Regional Office Bangkok UNICEF Remarks by TWG – WSH Chair Mr. Joselito Riego De

Dios, Philippines Remarks by WHO WHO Presentation and discussion on objectives and agenda and

Introduction of participants Mr. Joselito Riego De Dios, Philippines

0945 – 1015 Coffee Break 1015 – 1100 Review of the current global/regional and country monitoring

systems Mr. Terrence Thompson WHO-Nepal

1100 - 1200 Open Forum – establishing the need for the regional monitoring systems Sanitation and Water for All (SWA)

Mr. Chander Badloe, UNICEF-Bangkok

1200 – 1330 Lunch Break 1330 – 1430 Presentation – institutional arrangement –SACOSAN

WHO

Mrs. Suree Wongpiyachon

Mrs. Neeranuch Arphacharus

Acting Senior Adviser, Public Health (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) Bureau of Technical Advisors, Director, Bureau of Food and Water Sanitation Department of Health, Thailand Policy and Plan Analyst, Senior Professional Level, Bureau of Environmental Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand Tel.66 2 5904316 Fax 66 2 590432

Thailand

Tel: 66-2-5904150, 66-2-5904154 Mobile: 08-1137-7744 Fax: 66-2-591-8147 Email: suree.w@hotmail.com

Mr. Chander Badloe

UNICEF Regional WASH Adviser

Thailand Email: cbadloe@unicef.org

Mr. Terrence Thompson

Senior Environmental Health Adviser, WHO

Nepal Email: ThompsonT@SEARO.WHO.INT

Ms Hilda Winartasuputra

Regional WASH Specialist, Plan International Regional Office, c/- Plan Vietnam

Vietnam Email: Hilda.Winartasaputra@plan-international.org

Mr. Bonifacio Magtibay

Technical Officer WHO Philippines Email: magtibayb@wpro.who.int

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1430 - 1500 1500 – 1530

Presentation on the draft WSH Regional Monitoring System Coffee Break

Mr. Terrence Thompson WHO-Nepal

1530 – 1800 Discussion:

− Scope of Regional Monitoring

− Objective

− Indicators

− Source of information

− Methods of collection and reporting

− Schedule of collection and reporting

− Analysis

− Publication

DAY 2: 03 April 2013 Time Activity Presenter 0830 - 0845 Recap Day 1 Secretariat 0845 - 1000 Next Steps 1000 – 1030 Coffee Break 1030- 1200 Discussion – EASAN Conference

− Terms of reference for future EASAN Conference

− Host country for EASAN4

Mr Bonifacio Magtibay, WHO-Philippines

1200 – 1330 Lunch Break 1330 – 15:00 Discussion – 2013 WSH TWG Meeting

− Agenda

− Administrative concerns

15:00 – 15:30 Coffee Break 15:30 – 16:00 Summary and Closing