Water is the source of life; it must be protected and sustainably managed. World Water Day celebrates that fact and enshrines it on 22 March of every year. That was the date in 1993 the United Nations General Assembly designated as the first World Day for Water. Themes of the initiative change yearly, but always focus on a specific aspect of freshwater.
UN-Water has dedicated World Water Day 2011 (WWD 2011) to the theme Water and Urbanization. The objective of WWD 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems. It will encourage action by governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to actively engage in addressing urban water management challenges.
WSSCC with partners will arrange a special worldwide activity for World Water Day 2011, the World Walks for Water. See how you can join in!
Recent World Water Day activities
In 2008, for example, World Water Day lent its advocacy efforts to the International Year of Sanitation. Every 20 seconds a child dies from diseases related to abysmal sanitation conditions – approximately 1.5 million lives per year. WSSCC, WHO and UNICEF co-hosted the main World Water Day celebration in Geneva, Switzerland.
Shared Water – Shared Opportunities was the theme for World Water Day in 2009. Events focussed on trans-boundary waters. Nurturing the opportunities for cooperation in trans-boundary water management can help build mutual respect, understanding, and trust among countries and promote peace, security, and sustainable economic growth. UNESCO led the activities on 22 March 2009 with the support of UNECE and FAO.
Clean Water for a Healthy World, the theme of the 2010 World Water Day, emphasized that both the quality and the quantity of water resources are at risk. More people die from unsafe water than from all forms of violence, including war. This World Water Day made history thanks to the World’s Longest Toilet Queue: Jointly organized by End Water Poverty, WSSCC and the Freshwater Action Network, the campaign saw tens of thousands of advocates queuing for toilets in 80 countries, to stand in solidarity with the 2.6 billion people who do not have access to safe sanitation.
While 22 March is the specific day events are organized to raise awareness of freshwater issues, the spirit of World Water Day continues all year long. You can become an advocate as well: visit the web site of World Water Day for campaign materials, communication tools, photo galleries, and to get involved!