SEOUL, South Korea — The World Toilet Association kicked off its inaugural conference Thursday, hoping to spark a sanitation revolution that will save lives. To the rhythms of a percussionist beating on toilets, dozens of government delegates and U.N. representatives began two days of discussions on improving bathroom facilities for 2.6 billion people worldwide who lack access to proper restrooms. The association aims to provide toilet facilities to impoverished countries, provide for urgent sanitation needs after natural disasters and spread information for improving toilets. The association has been spearheaded by South Korea’s “Mr. Toilet” — Sim Jae-Duck, who earned his nickname for improving public restrooms for soccer’s 2002 World Cup as mayor of Suwon city. Sim, who has built a toilet-shaped house, was elected Thursday as the association’s first president.
The Associated Press
