Flushed with success
October 1st 2005

Over 500 international delegates from the US, Europe, Australia and the Far East gathered in Belfast's Waterfront Hall from 26th - 28th September to attend the 2005 World Toilet Summit. Belfast was the first city in the western world to play host to the International Summit, as previous summits have been held in Singapore, Beijing and Taiwan

The theme of the conference was "Setting Standards and Satisfying Needs Globally". The Summit got underway with a special international opening ceremony reflecting the global diversity of the delegates. The Ceremony included Irish and Chinese dancers as well as the locally acclaimed group Different Drums.

Raymond Martin, director, Northern Ireland Toilet Association, reflecting on the Summit's success, "This was an extremely prestigious event and I am delighted Belfast and Northern Ireland had the opportunity to host the Summit as it came West for the first time. We were thrilled that so many international delegates were able to attend to listen, learn and discuss a wide range of toileting issues that impact upon the world in the 21st century."

Raymond continued "We were successful during the Summit in putting many key toileting issues into the public domain and are now even more committed to working with local government authorities and relevant government departments to ensure progress can be made on a wide range of issues highlighted during the Summit.

A number of Keynote Speakers from around the globe took to the podium throughout the Summit, names such as, Mayor Amy Khor from Singapore set out the Singapore model of public toilet excellence.

Jack Sim also of Singapore, Founder of the World Toilet Organization, set out his ideas on the international approach required in taking forward "away from home" toilet provision.

A programme of social events was also put in place for delegates attending the summit. These included a tour of Parliament Buildings, Stormont, a Civic Reception and Gala Ball at Belfast City Hall and tours of the Giants Causeway.

The Summit came to a conclusion as the baton for the 2006 World Toilet Summit was passed to Moscow, the host city for the 2006 annual event. Speaking after the handover Richard Chisnell, director, British Toilet Association, stated, "We are delighted by the success of the 2005 Summit in Belfast. After speaking to many delegates it is quite apparent they greatly enjoyed their stay in Belfast gaining thoroughly from the Summit programme as well as enjoying a social itinerary enabling them to sample a little of the culture and lifestyle of Belfast and Northern Ireland."

The trade exhibition which ran in conjunction with the Summit proved to be extremely successful with over £1 million of business generated.

The 2005 World Toilet Summit was funded through the International Fund for Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau and Belfast City Council.

More articles from The British Toilet Association Ltd: