JOHANNESBURG, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The Pan-African Parliament on Monday called on African countries to strengthen cooperation and increase investment in water and sanitation infrastructure as the continent marked Africa Day.
In a statement, President of the Pan-African Parliament Fateh Boutbig urged governments, legislatures, civil society and development partners to work together to improve access to clean water and safe sanitation systems across the continent.
Boutbig said access to safe water and sanitation is essential for public health, food security, economic development and environmental sustainability, noting that millions of Africans, particularly women, children and vulnerable communities, still lack adequate services.
"Africa Day 2026 must therefore serve as a renewed call to collective action," Boutbig said, calling for accelerated investment in water infrastructure, sanitation systems, innovation and community-based solutions.
He said the Pan-African Parliament, the legislative arm of the AU, remains committed to promoting model laws, resolutions and oversight mechanisms supporting sustainable water governance, climate resilience, environmental protection and equitable development.
Africa Day is observed annually on May 25 to mark the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, now the African Union (AU).
This year's commemoration is held under the theme "63 Years of Unity, Integration and Development," while the AU has also designated 2026 as the Year of "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063." ■