Global Leaders Unite at UN to Advance Science-Based Solutions for Water, Sanitation, and Sustainable Developm

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the High-Level General Debate of the 80th

UN General Assembly opened in New York. On its first day, a special side event was held at UN

headquarters to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commission science-

based solutions for clean water and sanitation.

The event was co-organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan-African

Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation (WSA) to the UN, the Federation of World

Peace and Love (FOWPAL), CICA International University and Seminary, Gender Priority

Strategy, Chartered Institute of Gender Priority Strategy USA, and MAC/BAN Corp. It brought

together diplomats, NGO leaders, and peace advocates from around the world.

Dr. Nabhit Kapur, Permanent Observer of the WSA to the UN, expressed gratitude for hosting

such a gathering during UNGA’s high-level week for the first time, representing Africa with

pride. He emphasized the urgent global water and sanitation crisis, exacerbated by climate

change and underinvestment. “We can work together. We can leverage science-based solutions

to address the complex challenges surrounding water and sanitation and create a more

sustainable and equitable future for all,” he said.

Prof. Ada Juni Okika, Senior Advisor to the WSA to the UN, welcomed attendees and invited

them to join the “Better Together” initiative to foster dialogue and develop solutions. She

thanked Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, for his leadership.

Dr. Hong delivered a powerful address, declaring, “Today, as the Earth and humanity face crises,

we must embrace true change to ensure sustainable development. Not only must we awaken

conscience in all people, but we must also build a new order founded on transparency and

integrity. This is a movement of inner renewal and innovation, powerful enough to transform the

world.”

He further urged support for the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity and the promotion of

the International Day of Transparency and Integrity, aiming for its recognition as a UN-

designated day. “Let conscience, transparency, and integrity become the vital forces that bring

peace and sustainability to all,” he said. Dr. Hong received the Princely Awards from H.H. Dr.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, Global Peace Ambassador, during the event.

Global leaders also shared their insights. Frederick A. Stephenson, Foreign Minister of Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, emphasized that clean water and sanitation are fundamental human

rights. Citing local challenges of droughts, hurricanes, and volcanic ash, he showcased global

innovations—such as rainwater harvesting, solar-powered pumps, and low-cost community-based sanitation—and called for knowledge-sharing and financing to achieve universal access.

Everly Paul Chet Greene, Foreign Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, highlighted the

disproportionate impact of the water crisis on women and children. He cited his nation’s

investment in reverse osmosis technology and outlined three pillars for progress: data-driven

innovation, sustainable financing and strategic partnerships, as well as localized implementation

and capacity building.

Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports of The Gambia, emphasized the theme “Better

Together” as both a moral imperative and a practical necessity. He underscored The Gambia’s

adaptation and renewable energy efforts but stressed that national efforts alone are not enough,

calling for international cooperation and fairer access to trade and financing.

Dr. Monica Seneru Masanza, Uganda’s Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation,

addressed disparities in technology access, stressing that economic inequality hinders sanitation

progress. She urged intentional global collaboration and support for African nations to

manufacture their own technologies. “Once they learn to manufacture technology, that

community will grow which can afford sanitation,” she said.

The event also featured FOWPAL’s Bell of World Peace and Love Ceremony, symbolizing unity

and goodwill. Dr. Hong and three other leaders rang the Bell, making heartfelt wishes for peace.

Minister Stephenson wished that “from the smallest hand to the widest ocean, may peace ripple

onward… a quiet force stronger than fear.”

Minister Greene wished for “a safer world, where peace is not the absence of war, but an inner

peace within the hearts and minds of all peoples, dwelling in harmony with nature and creation.”

Minister Badjie wished for “a world where everyone lives in peace with dignity by ending all

conflicts around the world.” To date, 652 prominent leaders from 158 nations have rung the Bell,

including 82 heads of state and government, 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, UN ambassadors,

and other visionaries.

Sarah Wescoat Williams, President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, who rang the Bell the

previous day during the International Day of Peace celebration, expressed gratitude for being the

646th bell ringer, hoping that more bell ringers would infuse positive energy into the world. “As

we continue in this turbulent world of others, ringing and declaring our commitment to peace, I

think there is hope,” she said.

The program also featured FOWPAL members performing “A Prayer for Peace,” blessing all

nations with love and harmony.

The event underscored the urgency of addressing global water and sanitation challenges while

FOWPAL reinforced the power of conscience, transparency, and integrity as guiding forces for

peace, sustainability, and a hopeful future.

Source: FOWPAL