Palakkad, Kerala | 9–12 July 2026
Sulabh International participated as a Gold Sponsor at the 2nd International Conference on Non-Sewered Sanitation Systems (ICNSS 2026), held from 9–12 July 2026 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, Kerala. Organised by the Global Sanitation Centre of Excellence (GSCOE), IIT Palakkad, in collaboration with the International Water Association (IWA), the conference brought together leading researchers, policymakers, industry experts, innovators, development partners, and practitioners from around the world to explore the future of sustainable, decentralised, and non-sewered sanitation systems.
Held under the theme “Reimagining Sanitation Systems for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” the conference served as a global platform for knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and collaboration to advance safe and sustainable sanitation solutions.
Representing Sulabh International, Dr Sutirtha Sahariah, Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, and Dr Devendra Saroj, Senior Advisor, actively contributed to the conference through technical sessions, plenary discussions, and interactions with leading experts from across the global sanitation sector.
On the opening day, Dr Sahariah participated in the panel discussion on “Enabling NSS Research and Development in India,” where he highlighted Sulabh’s pioneering role in advancing affordable, scalable, and socially inclusive sanitation solutions. Drawing on Sulabh’s decades of field experience, he emphasised the importance of combining technological innovation with behavioural change, community participation, and supportive policy frameworks to achieve sustainable sanitation outcomes.
Dr Sahariah and Dr Saroj also participated in the plenary session on “Enabling Reuse at Source,” joining international experts to discuss the complete innovation ecosystem—from research, testing, and certification to regulation, implementation, and large-scale adoption. They shared Sulabh’s extensive experience in resource recovery, circular sanitation, and decentralised wastewater management, demonstrating how practical, community-based approaches can improve public health while supporting environmental sustainability.
A major highlight of Sulabh’s participation was its exhibition stall, which attracted significant interest from researchers, policymakers, representatives of government agencies, universities, research institutions, development organisations, and sanitation practitioners from across the world.
The exhibition showcased Sulabh’s globally recognised non-sewered sanitation technologies, alongside its expanding initiatives in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), the Sociology of Sanitation pioneered by Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, menstrual hygiene management, circular economy, food security, women’s empowerment, and community-led development. Through engaging discussions, the Sulabh team shared insights from nearly five decades of experience in developing integrated sanitation solutions that promote health, dignity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
The enthusiastic response from delegates reflected growing international interest in scalable, climate-resilient, and people-centred sanitation solutions. Sulabh’s strong presence at the conference reaffirmed its position as a global leader in non-sewered sanitation and highlighted the continuing relevance of its integrated approach to sanitation, public health, and social development.
Through its participation at ICNSS 2026, Sulabh strengthened engagement with leading global institutions, fostered new opportunities for collaboration, and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research, innovation, and policy initiatives that contribute to safe, equitable, and sustainable sanitation for all.
