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Union Cabinet Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, Delivers Keynote Address
Davos, Switzerland – The India Pavilion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 became the epicenter of a transformative dialogue on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as global leaders convened to discuss “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” The high-profile session highlighted India’s groundbreaking achievements in WASH, emphasizing its role in fostering climate resilience and sustainable development.
In his keynote address, Shri C.R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, showcased India’s remarkable progress through flagship initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). These programs have significantly improved sanitation coverage and provided safe drinking water to millions of rural households, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable water and sanitation management.
Shri Patil stated, “This marks a significant milestone, demonstrating to the world that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is driving a transformative revolution in water conservation and sustainability. Addressing the universal challenge of water scarcity demands international cooperation and collective action.”
He also highlighted that the Jal Jeevan Mission had increased rural households with functional tap water connections from 17% in 2019 to an impressive 79.66% by 2025. The Swachh Bharat Mission’s success in eliminating open defecation and constructing over 95 million toilets was also celebrated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these initiatives have averted the deaths of 300,000 children under the age of five in the last decade.
The keynote address was followed by two expert panel discussions on water sustainability and global health innovations through sanitation. Esteemed organizations, including UNICEF, WaterAid, the Gates Foundation, and others, contributed to the discussions, sharing innovative solutions and strategies for scaling successful WASH models globally.
India’s success in leveraging community engagement, behavior change, and technology to achieve scalable WASH solutions resonated as a model for global adaptation. Discussions at the forum stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The WEF session underscored India’s pivotal role in fostering equitable access to water and sanitation while advancing global climate and health resilience. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative action, inspired by India’s WASH innovations and their far-reaching impact on health, education, and economic opportunities worldwide.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the key discussions and announcements made at the World Economic Forum 2025. The information presented here has been derived from official statements and session highlights and is not an endorsement of any specific program, policy, or individual. For further details, refer to official WEF publications and releases.
