Annual observance

World Toilet Day

November 19 Health / Wellness Updated 2025-12-18

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Overview

World Toilet Day is an official United Nations international observance day on November 19th each year, aiming to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. Its primary goal is to advocate for safely managed sanitation for all, as lack of proper toilets and sanitation has severe impacts on health, dignity, and the environment. This day highlights the urgency of sustainable sanitation systems in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which promises sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

Observed each year on November 19, World Toilet Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: World Toilet Day, observed on November 19, underscores the critical importance of safe sanitation in promoting health, dignity, and environmental sustainability. By raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis, this day emphasizes the need for action to achieve universal access to sanitation by 2030, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 6.2.

Origin and story

World Toilet Day was first established in 2001 by the World Toilet Organization, a global non-profit dedicated to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide.

In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized World Toilet Day, making it an official UN international observance.

Quick facts

  • DateNovember 19
  • TypeHealth / Wellness
  • Great forWellness groups, Gyms, Health classes

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Prep a simple, nutritious snack to match the day.
  • Share one fast fact about World Toilet Day: World Toilet Day was first established in 2001 by the World Toilet Organization, a global non-profit dedicated to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide.
  • World Toilet Day lands on November 19 — host a quick nod with Wellness groups, Gyms and snap a photo.
  • Share one healthy habit you’re keeping this week.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the health / wellness vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

  • World Toilet Day was first established in 2001 by the World Toilet Organization, a global non-profit dedicated to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide.
  • In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized World Toilet Day, making it an official UN international observance.
  • Globally, 3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation, and 419 million people practice open defecation, mostly in rural areas.
  • The annual observance aims to draw attention to the fact that billions of people worldwide do not have access to a clean and safe toilet.
  • Access to proper sanitation facilities is crucial for public health, gender equality, education, and environmental protection.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is World Toilet Day?
It is observed on November 19 each year.
What is World Toilet Day?
World Toilet Day is an official United Nations international observance day on November 19th each year, aiming to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. Its primary goal is to advocate for safely managed sanitation for all, as lack of proper toilets and sanitation has severe impacts on health, dignity, and the environment. This day highlights the urgency of sustainable sanitation systems in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, which promises sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.
How do people celebrate World Toilet Day?
Prep a simple, nutritious snack to match the day.

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