UPSC Prelims 2024 Q24: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:
1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this
organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing
countries to achieve the end of open defecation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2
- (d) 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation
World Toilet Organization (WTO)
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Type | Global non-profit, not a UN agency |
| Founded | 2001 by Jack Sim (Singapore), known as "Mr Toilet" |
| Headquarters | Singapore |
| Initiatives | World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day, World Toilet College |
| Work | Advocacy, training and social enterprise for sanitation |
Statement check:
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. UN agency | Wrong | It is an independent NGO; the UN later adopted World Toilet Day (19 November) in 2013 |
| 2. Summit, Day and College | Correct | All three are its flagship initiatives |
| 3. Main focus is granting funds | Wrong | It is not a donor; it focuses on awareness, training and market-based solutions |
Answer: (a) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only Statement 2 is true; the WTO is an NGO that runs the Summit, Day and College.
- (b) Incorrect. The WTO does not mainly give grants; it works through advocacy and training.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; the WTO is a Singapore-based non-profit, not a UN agency.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; funding developing countries is not its main function.
Key point
World Toilet Organization = Singapore NGO (2001, Jack Sim); not a UN body; runs World Toilet Day, Summit and College.
Remember
The World Toilet Organization is a Singapore-based NGO, not a UN agency.
Common mistakes
- Assuming 'World ... Organization' means a UN body, like the World Health Organization.
- Mixing up the NGO's World Toilet Day with its later UN adoption in 2013.
- Confusing this WTO with the World Trade Organization.
Exam tip
Don't trust the name. Check whether a 'World Organization' is inter-governmental or a private NGO.
Sources
- World Toilet Organization — About us (worldtoilet.org)
- UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/67/291 (2013) — World Toilet Day