Introduction

The VUFO-NGO Resource Centre Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Working Group was established in 2003 to enhance the development of the urban and rural water sector in Vietnam. The objectives are to create a forum for international NGOS and other stakeholders to increase their knowledge of the issues related to water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in and outside Vietnam, and for participants to improve their contribution to the development of the sector. Formerly known as the Water Supply and Sanitation Working Group, it changed to its current name in 2010.

Goal

To improve the water supply and sanitation facilities available to urban and rural populations

Objectives 

• To facilitate communication and information exchange between the INGO sector, multilateral and bilateral agencies, local partners, and Vietnamese authorities 
• To give those organizations working in the water supply and sanitation sector a recognized forum to discuss practical program issues 
• To raise the profile of the sector in Vietnam
• To collaborate and share technical expertise on water supply and sanitation issues
• To improve the impact of water supply and sanitation activities
• To share information on water supply and sanitation policy and to improve understanding of related issues

Main activities

• Meetings and presentations 
• Networking between stakeholders
• Email exchange and information database

Modes of operation

• Working language: English with Vietnamese translation if required
• Regular meetings every two months
• Collaboration and sharing relevant information with concerned government agencies, donor community, private sector representatives and other working groups
• Ensure participation, inclusion, transparency and accountability

Structure and Management Coordinator

• Consists of one international NGO that is elected annually by the Working Group participants
• Provides a point of contact for the Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Working Group for communications and information sharing regarding upcoming WSS WG meetings and events and other informational inquiries
• Maintains information relevant to the Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Working Group including participant details 
• Liaises with the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre regarding Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Working Group plans, meeting arrangements, communications, and participates in Working Group meetings organized by the VUFO-NGO Resource Centre
• Organises the meeting agenda

Participation

Open to all in the international NGO sector, multilateral and bilateral agencies, local partners, and Vietnamese authorities and others with a special interest in water supply and sanitation in Vietnam.

The Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Working Group is not responsible for individual participants' opinions.