Singapore diplomat Mark Neo said he doesn’t care if people laugh about ‘World Toilet Day’ because it spotlights a serious problem: 2.5 billion people worldwide don’t have access to proper sanitation.
NY Daily News
July 25, 2013
The United Nations on Wednesday declared November 19 as World Toilet Day following a proposal by Singapore whose envoy said he did not care if jokes are made.
“I am sure there will be laughter among the press and the public when it is reported that the UN is declaring a World Toilet Day,” said Singapore charge d’affaires Mark Neo before a unanimous UN General Assembly vote in favor of the measure.
“Their laughter is welcome, especially if they recognize the prevailing and unhealthy taboo that prevents an open and serious discussion of the problems of sanitation and toilets globally,” Neo told the 193-member assembly.