What Is World Water Day and What Does It Stand For ?
World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of fresh water.
World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It's about taking action to tackle the global water crisis and supporting the achievement of UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.
History and importance of World Water Day
The idea for this international day goes back to 1992, the year in which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro took place. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that declared 22 March of each year World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993.
Every year, World Water Day reminds us that access to water and sanitation is a human right. A well-managed water cycle underpins progress across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in relation to hunger, health, education, livelihoods, sustainability and ecosystems.
Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change, serving as the crucial link between the climate system, human society and the environment. Without proper water governance, there is likely to be increased competition for water between sectors and an escalation of water crises of various kinds, triggering emergencies in a range of water-dependent sectors.
Source : United Nations
The Global Situation in Numbers
- 2.2 billion people globally (1 in 4 people) lack safe water at home.
- 1.7 billion people globally do not have basic water services at their health care facility.
- 16.6 million women in lower-middle income countries give birth in health care facilities with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene every year.
How Is the One Drop Foundation Participating?
The Foundation supports multiple SDGs, with a primary focus on Goal 6, as we strive for a sustainable future where everyone has access to safe water.
At One Drop, we are always ready to go above and beyond to achieve true long-term sustainability. We believe in the combined power of providing access to safe WASH services, promoting healthy behaviours, and encouraging capital to support income-generating activities and market-based solutions.
Access; Behaviour change; Capital. These elements make up our A•B•C for Sustainability™ model. The combined power of these three components makes our projects sustainable by creating an enabling environment for positive change and helping communities reach their full potential.
To learn more about our mission and impact, read our latest Impact Report.
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