Solomon Islands Initiatives in Clean Water and Sanitation to Be Recognized with Cash Prizes and Trophies.
The Rural WASH Changemakers Awards, aimed at recognizing outstanding contributions to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in the Solomon Islands, has announced that the deadline for submissions is September 30, 2024.
Rural communities across the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands continue to face significant health issues due to limited access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices. Despite ongoing efforts, disparities in WASH services, particularly in rural areas, remain a major challenge. Recent statistics indicate that access to basic water services is declining, and progress in sanitation coverage is slow, with open defecation still a prevalent issue. These challenges highlight the difficulty of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which aims for universal access to adequate sanitation and hygiene by 2030.
In response, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Provincial Governments and Service Delivery (PGSD) project funded by the European Union, has launched the Rural WASH Changemakers Awards. The awards aim to spotlight changemakers, champions, and innovators working to address WASH challenges in the Solomon Islands.
The initiative seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of WASH services in the country’s development agenda. By showcasing success stories and addressing ongoing challenges, the awards hope to influence policymakers and stakeholders to adopt a comprehensive approach to WASH goals. The program also aims to promote peer learning and collaboration through a Community of Practice, benefiting all stakeholders and documenting best practices across the country.
Award Categories and Details
The Rural WASH Changemakers Awards will recognize excellence in six categories:
- Safe Drinking Water
- Sanitation
- Hygiene
- WASH in Institutions (e.g., schools and healthcare centers)
- Inclusive Development
- WASH Media Coverage
Winners in each category will receive a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of SBD 15,000.
Eligibility and Submission
The awards are open to individuals, organizations, and entities involved in Rural WASH initiatives. Submissions should be presented in a storytelling format, highlighting the impact, innovation, and community-led solutions achieved by the nominee.
A panel of experts from relevant ministries, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and UNDP will evaluate the submissions based on their impact, innovation, and success.
Submission Process
Applications can be submitted via email to registry.sb@undp.org or by post to the UNDP Solomon Islands Office. The deadline for submission is September 30, 2024, with the awards ceremony scheduled for World Toilet Day on November 19, 2024, in Honiara.
With UNDP
