WATER FOR THE PEOPLE CALLS FOR ACCELERATING ACCESS TO SANITATION AND DRINKING WATER IN GUATEMALA
During the "Behind the Door" event, Water For People emphasized that access to sanitation and drinking water is a fundamental human right, essential for public health, human dignity, and sustainable development.
Guatemala, November 20, 2025. Water For People held the "Behind the Door" event, a space dedicated to highlighting the sanitation challenge in Guatemala and promoting actions to guarantee equitable, sustainable and people-centered services.
In observance of World Toilet Day, commemorated every November 19th in accordance with the United Nations agenda, the event aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need to guarantee adequate toilets, decent hygiene, and safe sanitation services for all. This day serves as a reminder that access to a toilet is not a luxury, but an essential need for life, health, and well-being.
" Infrastructure alone does not transform lives. What truly changes communities is sustained investment, shared responsibility across sectors, and the conviction that every person deserves a decent bathroom, a place that offers them safety, comfort, and privacy, and clean water, no matter where they live , " said Johnny Toledo, National Advocacy Officer for Water For People.
A challenge to overcome
During the event, Water For People emphasized that sanitation is not only a technical component, but a social challenge that demands co-responsibility and the coordinated participation of all sectors.
The national context confirms the urgency: only 70% of the population has access to basic sanitation services, and almost half of households lack safely managed sanitation, according to UNICEF data and World Bank assessments.
This gap impacts health, education, gender equality, and economic development. Recognizing sanitation as a human right allows us to prioritize it and align it with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All.
What happens “behind the door”
The concept “Behind the Door” symbolizes the invisible conditions faced by thousands of families when they open the bathroom door in their homes and cannot find a suitable, safe, or private place.
During the event, Water For People presented progress on its Total and Forever Coverage model, which is currently being implemented in four municipalities in the department of Quiché and is gradually being replicated in 14 additional municipalities through partners and allies.
The model integrates construction and rehabilitation of sanitation services, strengthening of community and municipal management, hygiene training, self-construction of toilets, and permanent monitoring.
“ In Guatemala, we can close the sanitation gap if we strengthen collaboration and join forces among institutions, communities, and organizations . Guaranteeing decent toilets and access to drinking water is not optional: it is a human right that requires courageous decisions and coordinated action today, not tomorrow ,” emphasized Johnny Toledo.
Challenges and commitments
The meeting brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, international cooperation, academia, and civil society, who reflected on the country's challenges and opportunities in water and sanitation.
The program included testimonials on the transformative impact of sanitation on communities, the multi-sector conversation “Sanitation as a shared challenge”, and the panel “With a toilet you live better”, which addressed the role of the private sector and sustainable partnerships in community sanitation.
The leading organization making progress in access to sanitation needs to strengthen public awareness and promote collaborative efforts. During this event, key partnerships were established with Durman, Gremia, the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce, and Funcagua—essential partners in making this initiative possible.
Strategic allies
Water For People also highlighted the support and participation of Génesis Empresarial, Kimberly-Clark, Colgate, the University of the Valley of Guatemala, Amanco, and various government institutions, who actively contribute to promoting initiatives that improve sanitation conditions in the country.
Water For People reiterated that closing the sanitation gap in Guatemala requires sustained efforts, inter-institutional coordination, and models adapted to each community context.
As part of its efforts to strengthen technical capabilities, the University of the Valley of Guatemala awarded a scholarship during the event to participate in the “Innovation and Renewal Week: Prepare for the Challenges of 2026,” valued at Q6,000, held from December 1st to 10th. This contribution reinforces the university's commitment to generating knowledge and building sustainable solutions for the country.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to continue working alongside local governments, businesses, international cooperation and communities to move towards a country where safe sanitation and access to drinking water are a reality for all people.
About Water For People
Water For People is an international non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado. It has been working in Guatemala since 1997. Its goal is to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene services to everyone, ensuring that these solutions last a lifetime. They work in communities until every family, health center, and public school has high levels of safe and reliable water and sanitation service. They have a realistic plan for achieving permanent change in Guatemala, which involves working with communities, training local workers, building sustainable systems, and sharing what they have learned with the world.
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