To highlight the importance of water and raise awareness about the global water crisis, World Water Day is being observed on March 22 every year. According to the United Nations website, the idea behind celebrating the day is to "support the achievement of sustainable development goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030."
The main objective of the day is to aware and inspire people to sustainably manage the freshwater resources and learn more about water-related issues like water pollution, water scarcity, inadequate water, and lack of sanitation, and take appropriate steps to make a difference.
History:
The resolution to observe World Water Day was first adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 22, 1992, after which March 22 was declared as World Water Day and is celebrated around the world since then. The first World Water Day was observed in the year 1993.
Significance:
Everyone knows that 'Water is the elixir of life'. From drinking to cleaning and other things, life cannot sustain without it. While many people are privileged to have running water 24x7, there is a huge population around the globe that does not have access to any amount of water.
According to UN, at present, one in four people (two billion people worldwide) – lack safe drinking water. Around 1.4 million people die annually and 74 million will have their lives shortened by diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene. As per the estimates by OECD, global water demand (in water withdrawals) would increase by 55% by 2050.
{{/usCountry}}According to UN, at present, one in four people (two billion people worldwide) – lack safe drinking water. Around 1.4 million people die annually and 74 million will have their lives shortened by diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene. As per the estimates by OECD, global water demand (in water withdrawals) would increase by 55% by 2050.
{{/usCountry}}Various organisations, NGOs and individuals celebrate the day in their own way to conserve water in a bid to tackle water crisis.
Theme:
The theme for World Water Day 2023 is 'Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis', emphasising the necessity of taking stern action to address the global water crisis. The UN said, "Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, healthcare centres, farms and factories don’t have the safe water and toilets they need. There is an urgent need to accelerate change – to go beyond business as usual".
The UN is also kickstarting the UN 2023 Water Conference- the first event of its kind for nearly 50- to unite the world around water from March 22-24 in New York, United States.