Global norms and capacity building: International Network of Drinking-water and Sanitation Regulators (RegNet)

The International Network of Drinking-water and Sanitation Regulators (RegNet) is a global forum to share and promote good practice in the regulation of drinking-water and sanitation services, for the protection of public health. Through RegNet, WHO assists Member States in translating evidence and guidance into public health policy and implementing the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality and Guidelines on Sanitation and Health. RegNet meets annually and membership is open to drinking-water and/or sanitation regulators.The objectives of the Network are to: advocate for the improvement of regulations in order to better protect public health as it relates to drinking-water and sanitation, support the development of internationally recognized guidance on the use of drinking-water and sanitation regulations to protect public health, and provide support and guidance to regulators wishing to establish, update or amend their regulatory frameworks. WHO is also convening a multi-partner initiative the Call to Action on Strengthening Water and Sanitation Regulatory Systems.
Leading Entity
World Health Organization (WHO)
Contributing Action Number
CA4.51
Primary Entry Point
4: Accelerate progress and transformational change
Additional Entry Point(s)
3: Align UN system support for integration
Output(s)
Output 3.2: Integrated policy frameworks to manage water and sanitation across sectors are supported by the UN system using latest data and evidence
Output 4.5: Governance of water and sanitation is improved through UN system support, including with emphasis on the needs of developing countries
SDG 6 Target(s)
SDG target 6.1: Achieve safe and affordable drinking water
SDG target 6.2: Achieve access to sanitation and hygiene and end open defecation
SDG target 6.3: Improve water quality, wastewater and safe reuse
Water-related work on other SDGs
Type of Engagement
Convening of stakeholders
Policy advice and thought leadership
Capacity development and technical assistance
Geographical Scope
Global level
More information
https://www.who.int/groups/international-network-of-drinking-water-and-sanitation-regulators

Leading Entity

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation

The Contributing Actions are key initiatives supporting the United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, aligning individual and joint efforts across UN entities and partnering organizations to advance global water and sanitation goals. These actions are integrated into the Collaborative Implementation Plan (CIP) Results Framework 2025-2028, which provides a structured approach to achieving system-wide impact through coordinated UN efforts.
The Priority Collaborative Actions outlined in the framework focus on enhancing water security, improving governance, strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating progress on sanitation and hygiene. By fostering system-wide collaboration among UN agencies, these actions help drive policy coherence, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing water challenges.