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World Toilet Day

Make a splash this World Toilet Day and join us to tackle the global sanitation crisis with creative solutions, advocacy and education!

Thursday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 19

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Let's all make a splash on World Toilet Day, Nov. 19! This day has been celebrated since 2001 by the World Toilet Organization as a way to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis and emphasize the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene. It is estimated that 4.2 billion people lack access to safe sanitation - making this an issue in need of urgent attention from world leaders, policy makers and citizens alike. So let's work together to raise our voice for clean toilets around the world, so everyone can enjoy good health and well-being!

TIMELINE

World Toilet Day Timeline

World Toilet Organization Formation

The World Toilet Organization (WTO) was established by Jack Sim to create a global network for organizations in sanitation.

First World Toilet Day

The same year the WTO was created, the first World Toilet Day was celebrated with the aim to raise global awareness of proper sanitation.

UN Recognition

The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized Nov. 19 as World Toilet Day, reinforcing its importance and raising its profile.

Inclusion in UN SDGs

Safe sanitation became a part of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

Leaving No One Behind

The 2019 World Toilet Day was themed 'Leaving No One Behind' to emphasize the necessity of extending sanitation services to the billions currently without access.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Toilet Day

Organize a donation drive

Collect donations of money, supplies and materials to build or improve toilets in areas of need around the world. You can also donate to organizations that are working on toilet projects.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others

Learn about the global sanitation crisis, how it affects health and safety, and how you can help. Share what you learn with friends, family, colleagues and neighbors.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local event

Look for World Toilet Day events near you, like community cleanups or fundraising activities. Get involved and be part of the solution.

WRITE

Write to your government representatives

Contact your local politicians or other government representatives and urge them to prioritize access to clean toilets as a basic human right.

SPREAD

Spread the word online

Share stories and information about World Toilet Day on social media using hashtags like #WorldToiletDay and #GlobalSanitationCrisis.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Toilet Day is Important

It helps reduce water pollution

Poor sanitation has a direct impact on water quality. Human waste that isn't disposed properly can pollute drinking water sources, leading to serious health concerns. By emphasizing better sanitation practices, World Toilet Day hopes to reduce the amount of wastewater and sewage entering our rivers and lakes.

It raises awareness of sanitation issues

World Toilet Day is an important reminder of the need for improved sanitation worldwide. It helps to draw attention to the fact that billions of people still lack access to clean water and bathrooms - something many of us take for granted. By raising awareness of this issue, World Toilet Day can help drive meaningful change.

It promotes good hygiene practices

Good hygiene is essential in order to stay healthy and avoid illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera and typhoid. The importance of handwashing should not be ignored - it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. Celebrating World Toilet Day gives us an opportunity to emphasize these simple yet effective hygiene practices.

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