Solving global water problems is central to eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development. The UNSG's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) is an independent body established in March 2004 by United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to give him advice as well as to galvanize action on water and sanitation issues.

Chaired by His Royal Highness the Prince of the Netherlands, the Board is composed of a wide range of dignitaries, technical experts, and individuals with proven experience in providing inspiration, moving the machinery of government, as well as working with the media, the private sector and civil society.

UNSGAB Secretariat is hosted by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), United Nations.

Hashimoto Action Plan II, 1 February 2010 The United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Sanitation is embarking on their next strategic phase with the release of the Hashimoto Action Plan II. In only a few years, world leaders will assess progress made towards the Millennium Development Goals, including the targets to halve by 2015 the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Getting the right policies, strategies and actions in place during the next three years is absolutely critical. The Hashimoto Action Plan II contributes to this effort by motivating, convening and galvanizing its partners to achieve objectives in five key areas: financing, sanitation, monitoring & reporting, integrated water resources management and water and disaster. Download HAP II

Chair's Action; Opening Speech on the occasion of the 13th UNSGAB meeting, 1 December 2009 It is an honour and a pleasure to welcome you all to Amsterdam, a city of canals and bridges, where we are meeting to embark on a new course of action. This hotel, once Amsterdam's city hall, is a fitting venue for our meeting Read more...

Chair's Action; Second Africa Water Week, 11 November 2009 It is always a great treat to visit South Africa, host of not only this Africa Water Week, but also host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As an avid football supporter, I would love to reflect on a potential match between South Africa and the Netherlands. Read more...