How Paani is contributing to SDG 6
Water is essential for life, but millions of people around the world lack access to clean and safe water. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces, and more than 800,000 people die each year from diarrheal diseases linked to unsafe water and sanitation.
Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, facing a severe water crisis due to climate change, population growth, urbanization, pollution, mismanagement and lack of awareness. According to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Pakistan may run out of water by 2025 if no urgent action is taken.
That’s why Paani is committed to contributing to one of the most important global goals: SDG 6. SDG 6 stands for Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
SDG 6 is one of the 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
SDG 6 has eight targets and 11 indicators that aim to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene; improve water quality and reduce pollution; increase water-use efficiency and ensure freshwater supplies; implement integrated water resources management; protect and restore water-related ecosystems; expand international cooperation and capacity-building; and support and strengthen the participation of local communities .
Paani’s mission is not only to provide temporary relief where they can, but to work toward building permanent solutions against the most complex problems that Pakistan is facing. They strive to combine scientific research with cultural competency to ensure that community members feel comfortable and empowered in their presence.
Paani’s philosophy is twofold: transparency and sustainability. Transparency to their donors on how they optimize their donations. And a promise of sustainable interventions to the communities they serve.
Since its inception, Paani has:
– Built nearly 14,000 wells across high-risk areas throughout Pakistan, providing clean water to over 1,000,000 people. This aligns with target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
– Distributed over $1 million worth of medical supplies to hospitals that focus on battling water-borne diseases. This aligns with target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
– Developed and disseminated a public health sanitation curriculum to over 10,000 students in rural schools. This aligns with target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
– Organized annual Ramadan relief campaigns that distribute food, water and tents to thousands of families in need. This aligns with target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
– Raised awareness and funds through various events, campaigns and platforms in the US and abroad. This aligns with target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
Paani’s work is not done yet. We have ambitious plans for the future, such as:
– Expanding their operations to other countries facing water crises, such as Jordan and Turkey.
– Developing innovative technologies and solutions for water purification, conservation and management.
– Partnering with local governments and organizations to advocate for policy changes and reforms.
– Engaging more youth and volunteers in their mission and vision.
Paani believes that the ripple effect starts with you. As they fight Pakistan’s water crisis, they invite you to join them in their journey of changing the world through water.