Prince Willem-Alexander Launches International Year of Sanitation 2008

Yesterday, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands joined her husband, the Prince of Orange in New York to globally launch the International Year of Sanitation 2008. As chairman of the United Nations Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation, the prince spoke of his concerns and said, “our prime aim is to provide as many people as possible with proper, sustainable sanitation facilities and to stress how to use them sustainably.”

In his speech, Willem-Alexander challenged the attendees to redress the matter of sanitation and focus on the plight of the many people that do not have the use of adequate facilities. “That is why we, as policymakers, opinion leaders and stakeholders gathered here today, must make a supreme effort to make proper sanitation accessible and available to everyone. Because everyone, and that means ALL the people in the world, has the right to a healthy life and a life with dignity. In other words: everyone has the right to sanitation,” he declared.

In part to galvanize his audience into action, the prince reiterated the goals of millennium development on sanitation.

“We want to raise awareness of the importance of sanitation and its impact on other Millennium Development Goals.”

“We want to encourage government and their partners to implement policies and take action aimed at meeting the sanitation target.”

“We want to mobilize communities, particularly women’s groups, to change sanitation and hygiene practice through campaigns on sanitation and health education.”

As he closed his speech, the prince reminded the guests to commit themselves to the sanitation project and said, “I would like to encourage you, with all my heart, to work together. It is of the utmost importance for us to undertake a long-term commitment today to reach our common goals and to work towards health, dignity and development for all.”

The Prince of Orange’s entire speech at the launch of the International Year of Sanitation 2008 in New York can be read here.

For more information on the International Year of Sanitation 2008, visit the following websites: The United Nations Division of Sustainable Development, Water for Life, and UNICEF.

Photos: ANP