United Nations World Toilet Day takes place annually on the 19^th November and is a reminder that safe, accessible, and dignified toilet provision is a fundamental human right. Around the world, millions of people still lack access to facilities that meet their basic personal care needs. For those who require additional space, equipment, and carer support—such as people with profound learning and multiple disabilities, complex physical disabilities, and a wide range of other health conditions—this challenge is even greater.

In 2025, designated by PAMIS as the year of collaboration, global momentum around Changing Places toilets (CPTs) has accelerated at an unprecedented pace. Countries across every continent are recognising the importance of fully accessible toilets, embedding new standards in policy, design, and practice.

Growing Global Recognition

This year, the UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium engaged with organisations from across the world, all eager to learn from UK experience and share their own approaches. International partners from Chile, Japan, Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands are contributing to a rapidly expanding global movement, united by a commitment to dignity, safety, and inclusion.

Countries developing their own CPT networks have shown remarkable creativity and innovation:

• Spain has introduced thoughtful design enhancements, such as pull-down blinds over mirrors to support people with cognitive impairment, including dementia.
• In New Zealand, advocates like Jenn Hooper are driving rapid expansion of Changing Places toilets nationwide and exploring new models for improving access.
• Norway celebrated a breakthrough this year with the opening of its first Changing Places toilet in a McDonald’s restaurant, marking an important step into mainstream venues.
• The Netherlands opened its first CPTs at Bergen Safari Park and Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, laying the foundations for a national network.

These developments are transforming not only daily life for disabled people, but also the potential for safe, dignified, and enjoyable travel across borders.

 

Showcasing UK Leadership on the Global Stage

A milestone for the UK team was an invitation to share our expertise at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. In June, representatives from the Consortium and PAMIS participated in several days of knowledge exchange, exploring inclusive toilet standards, design practices, and continence support from around the world.

During the visit, the team met global leaders in accessibility and human rights, including:

• Professor Dr. Jack Sim, founder of UN World Toilet Day and a long-time champion of sanitation rights.

• Yuriko Oda, founder and CEO of WheeLog!, an award-winning, user-generated global accessibility map. After becoming a wheelchair user in 2006, Yuriko recognised the transformative impact of accessible information—an insight that led to a platform now used by more than 100,000 people worldwide. Her commitment to inclusive mobility earned her the Japan SDGs Award in 2023.

Discussions with Yuriko and her team highlighted strong shared goals around inclusive environments and accessible travel. Early conversations explored opportunities for collaboration, including linking the UK Changing Places Toilet Map with the international WheeLog! platform to provide even more comprehensive access information for disabled people and their families. Read more about our trip to Japan here.

 

Looking Ahead: A Truly Global Movement

The energy and enthusiasm of our international partners over the past year have been remarkable. More countries than ever before are now recognising Changing Places toilets as essential infrastructure—vital for equality, participation, and basic human dignity.

As we mark United Nations World Toilet Day, we celebrate the global community working together to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the toilets they need. The UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium is proud to be part of a growing international network committed to sharing knowledge, shaping policy, and supporting innovation.

Together, we are building a world where travel, leisure, work, and community life are truly accessible for all.