UNITAR Online Catalogue
Foundations of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
People
Background
The UNITAR Global Water Academy self-paced course on Fundamentals of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation provides a comprehensive introduction to one of the most critical Sustainable Development Goals: ensuring universal access to water and sanitation. With water scarcity, pollution, and unequal access posing challenges to global development, the course explores innovative strategies and evidence-based approaches to address these issues. Drawing on case studies, theoretical frameworks, and global best practices, the course is designed to equip participants with actionable knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully to achieving SDG 6 by 2030.
Event Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the key targets and indicators of SDG 6 and their relevance to global water and sanitation challenges.
- Identify strategies, policies, and technologies that promote sustainable water and sanitation management.
- Evaluate the socio-economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions of water management, including equity and community engagement.
- Develop insights into international cooperation, capacity-building, and cross-sectoral approaches to achieve SDG 6.
- Apply an integrated and localized perspective to water resources management, considering gender, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity conservation.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the key targets and indicators of SDG 6 and their relevance to global water and sanitation challenges.
- Identify strategies, policies, and technologies that promote sustainable water and sanitation management.
- Evaluate the socio-economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions of water management, including equity and community engagement.
- Develop insights into international cooperation, capacity-building, and cross-sectoral approaches to achieve SDG 6.
- Apply an integrated and localized perspective to water resources management, considering gender, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity conservation.
Content and Structure
Content and Structure
The course consists of eight modules, each addressing a specific SDG 6 target:
- Ensuring Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water (SDG 6.1): Examines strategies to provide safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Equitable Sanitation and Hygiene (SDG 6.2): Focuses on improving sanitation access and addressing hygiene disparities, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Water Quality and Pollution Control (SDG 6.3): Explores methods to reduce pollution, enhance wastewater treatment, and improve water reuse.
- Water-use Efficiency and Scarcity Reduction (SDG 6.4): Highlights innovations and sustainable practices to mitigate water scarcity.
- Integrated Water Resource Management (SDG 6.5): Introduces holistic approaches to managing water resources, emphasizing cross-sectoral and transboundary cooperation.
- Ecosystem Protection and Restoration (SDG 6.6): Discusses the critical role of biodiversity and ecosystems in water management.
- International Cooperation and Capacity Building (SDG 6.a): Covers the role of partnerships, technology transfer, and financial mechanisms in advancing water and sanitation goals.
- Community Engagement and Local Empowerment (SDG 6.b): Emphasizes participatory approaches and community-led solutions to water challenges.
Methodology
Methodology
This course adopts a blended learning approach to provide an engaging and comprehensive educational experience. Each module integrates interactive multimedia presentations, curated reading materials, and discussion prompts to stimulate active learning and critical thinking. Real-world case studies are used to illustrate the practical application of theoretical concepts, bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. To ensure understanding and retention, quizzes and reflective exercises are incorporated throughout the course, encouraging self-assessment and active engagement. Additionally, participants will gain valuable insights from expert-led video lectures and live Q&A sessions with global water professionals, fostering a deeper connection to the subject matter.
Targeted Audience
Government officials, international civil servants, NGO representatives, academics and private sector professionals in the field of environmental scientists, engineers, and researchers specializing in water management.
The course welcomes participants with varying levels of exposure to the UN SDG framework, ensuring accessibility for beginners while offering in-depth material for experienced practitioners.
Additional Information
Acknowledgments:
Created by Dr. Richard Vogt, UNITAR; Mr. Stephen Joyce, UNITAR; and Mr. Nicholas Yeiter, UNITAR.
Peer Reviewed by Dr. Sapna Sharma, York University
Designed by: Ruben Fuentes, UNITAR