German Toilet Organization

The German Toilet Organization (GTO) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in Berlin, Germany. Founded on October 31, 2005, the GTO is dedicated to combating the global sanitation crisis and ensuring that all people have access to sustainable and safe sanitation and clean water.

The GTO works to break the taboo surrounding toilets and strengthen political will for better sanitation conditions. Its mission is to protect the environment, human health, and dignity worldwide. The organization is deeply rooted in the values of human rights and considers clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as essential components of these rights[4][5].

• Knowledge and Capacity Development: The GTO imparts comprehensive expertise on sanitation and hygiene through training, workshops, and the development of educational materials. It supports other organizations in improving their work in this area[4][2].
• Political Work and Advocacy: Through campaigns, events, and networking, the GTO promotes political will and creates the necessary structural conditions for comprehensive sanitation[4].
• School Projects: The GTO is particularly committed to safe and hygienic school toilets by using competition formats, teaching materials, and concepts of development education to mobilize students and adults in their communities[4].

The GTO is active in various areas to achieve sustainable change:

• Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness: The organization integrates climate aspects into humanitarian WASH projects and promotes adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. It also works on disaster preparedness and prevention[2].
• Gender and Inclusion Aspects: The GTO strengthens and integrates gender and inclusion aspects into its projects to ensure that all people have equal access to sanitation services[2].
• Networking and Knowledge Exchange: By collaborating with a variety of public and private institutions, businesses, and other organizations, the GTO promotes knowledge exchange and coordination among stakeholders[4].