Seville Conference to Steer Nepal’s Water and Sanitation Sector in New Direction: Minister Pradeep Yadav

Kathmandu : Minister for Drinking Water Pradeep Yadav has stated that the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, currently underway in Seville, Spain, will play a pivotal role in directing Nepal’s water and sanitation sector towards a new and progressive path.

Participating in the conference organized by the United Nations from June 30 to July 3, 2025, Minister Yadav highlighted Nepal’s national commitment to ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation for all. He emphasized that the weaknesses observed during the 2022 ministerial-level conference have been addressed, and the current agenda is being advanced at the highest political level for effective implementation.

“Nepal’s achievement of becoming an open defecation-free nation in 2019 stands as a testament to our dedication. Now, our goal is to ensure safe, inclusive, and sustainable water and sanitation services,” Minister Yadav remarked. “By learning from the experiences of other countries, Nepal has adopted a strategy for rapid progress.”

He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal’s efforts in this sector have not only gained national recognition but have also become exemplary at the international level.

Minister Yadav stressed that without adequate financial resources and their efficient mobilization, structural challenges in the sector cannot be addressed. “Prime Minister Oli’s participation in the conference will strengthen our national efforts and bolster long-term investments, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

He informed that Nepal’s core objective in this visit is to present its national commitment to strengthening financial infrastructure for universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation under the leadership of the Head of State.

“Following the 2022 ministerial conference, we reviewed our country’s water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. Based on those insights, this renewed commitment at the political level will accelerate implementation,” he added.

Minister Yadav reiterated that inspired by international experiences, Nepal is now determined to fast-track its efforts and ensure that the gains made so far translate into sustainable and inclusive services for all.