World Water Day

World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on the 22nd of March. It is a day set aside to raise awareness about the importance of water and to advocate for the sustainable management of our planet’s water resources. This year, the World Water Day is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.

Water is a basic human right and a critical resource for sustainable development. Yet, over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion people lack access to basic sanitation facilities. The consequences of this water crisis are dire, as it undermines progress on all major global issues, from hunger to health, gender equality to jobs, education and industry, and disaster to peace.

The dysfunction throughout the water cycle, from the pollution of water sources to inadequate treatment of wastewater, exacerbates the global water crisis. This dysfunction threatens our food security and public health, and limits economic growth and social development. In addition, water pollution affects aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and our environment. It leads to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. SDG 6 is critical to the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it intersects with other goals such as ending poverty, achieving food security, improving health and well-being, promoting gender equality, and building resilient infrastructure.

Achieving SDG 6 requires collaboration and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. Governments, civil society organisations, the private sector, and individuals must all work together to accelerate change and address the water and sanitation crisis. This includes investing in water and sanitation infrastructure, promoting water-use efficiency, protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, improving water quality, and ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the critical importance of water and sanitation. Access to safe and clean water is essential for preventing the spread of the virus, and the lack of access to basic sanitation facilities poses a significant risk to public health. As we recover from the pandemic, we must prioritise investments in water and sanitation infrastructure to build more resilient communities.

In conclusion, World Water Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of water and the urgent need to accelerate change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. Dysfunction throughout the water cycle undermines progress on all major global issues, and achieving SDG 6 is critical to achieving all other SDGs. Let us work together to value water, protect and manage our planet’s water resources, and ensure access to safe and clean water and sanitation for all.