South Asian Conference on Sanitation is a largely government led meeting, involving many government delegations and run by high level decision makers. However, SACOSAN also brings together donors, NGOs, the media as well as key government officials.
Debates at the conference have the potential to impact national policy and practice with governments making commitments through a signed declaration. As such, it provides a good opportunity for national and regional level lobbying.
The space for civil society voice in SACOSAN has been changing as the process evolves. At SACOSAN I a session for grassroots people to share their experiences, chaired by a Minister, was included in the formal programme and a civil society representative was invited to give an address in the inaugural session.
Civil society groups, under the banner of the WSSCC Bangladesh chapter were involved in organising the conference and many NGOs participated in the conference. At SACOSAN II there was no session for grassroots voices and fewer NGOs participated.