World Water Day – What It’s Really About

When a conversation about water is initiated, everyone might have a different view on the direction of the conversation. Some might think the conversation is about drinking water, while others might think the conversation is about the world’s water bodies. There are so many ways in which we feel, see and use water in our daily lives. That is what World Water Day is all about.

It invites us to think about our everyday water use and to appreciate the water around us. Access to clean water in everyday life is very important.

The content of the article:

• The purpose of World Water Day
• History of World Water Day
• Water Action Decade 2018-2028
• What water means to you

So join us on this journey to find the real meaning and origins of World Water Day.

The purpose of World Water Day

The meaning of World Water Day is to allow everyone to think about what water means to you. Water means different things to different people. International aka World Water Day, celebrated every year on 22 March, encourages conversations about the importance of water in the daily lives of different people and animals.

In households, schools and workplaces, water can mean health, hygiene, dignity and productivity. In cultural, religious and spiritual places, water can mean connection to creation, community and self. In nature, water can mean peace, harmony and conservation.

Today, natural waters are threatened by a growing population, increasing waste, increasing demands from agriculture and industry, and worsening climate change.

The motto of World Water Day is –

By analysing and celebrating all the different ways water benefits our lives, we can properly value water and effectively protect it for all of us.

History of World Water Day

As said by the United Nations (UN),

This World Water Day, we all need to unite around water and use water for peace, laying the foundations of a more stable and prosperous tomorrow.

The idea of a World Water Day takes us back to 1992, when the UN Conference on Environment and Development was held in Rio de Janeiro. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 22 March as World Water Day, to be observed from 1993.

Other festivals and events were added later. For example, the International Year of Cooperation on Water in 2013 and the current International Decade of Action for Sustainable Development of Water Resources from 2018 to 2028. These observations reaffirm that water and sanitation interventions are essential for poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Water Action Decade 2018-2028

Access to water and sanitation is a prerequisite for life and human rights. Water is crucial for sustainable development in many aspects, from health and nutrition to gender equality and the economy. Our water challenges will become more urgent in the years to come, which is why action is needed now.

The International Decade of Action on Water for Sustainable Development (2018-2028) is a campaign that seeks to accelerate efforts to address water challenges across the globe.

The Decade of Water Action began on World Water Day, 22 March 2018, and will end on Water Day, 22 March 2028.

Key goals of this decade include:

• Improving water management – the initiative aims to foster better management and conservation of water resources, ensuring their availability and sustainable use.
• Supporting and implementing water-related goals – it emphasizes the implementation of water-related objectives across various UN agendas, particularly those in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water and sanitation for all (Goal 6).
• Promoting cooperation – the decade encourages cooperation at all levels – international, regional, and local – to address water scarcity, quality, and the impacts of climate change on water resources.
• Building partnerships – it seeks to build partnerships between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to improve water infrastructure and technologies.
• Increasing awareness – an essential part of the Decade is to raise public awareness about the importance of water management in achieving sustainability and resilience against climate change.
• Enhancing participation and inclusion – the decade focuses on inclusive approaches that ensure the participation of all, including women, youth, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities, in water resource management.

The International Decade for Action on Water is crucial because water security is a significant challenge of the 21st century. The initiative recognizes that sustainable management of water resources is vital for achieving most of the SDGs, including those related to poverty reduction, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and peace and security.

What water means to you

The Decade of Water Action is celebrating the #EveryDropCounts hashtag – every drop counts.

The Decade also highlights the importance of promoting water efficiency at all levels, taking into account the water, food, energy and environment nexus. It is also important to be part of the movement and to involve all relevant stakeholders – women, children, young people, older people, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and local communities.

You too can take part in the discussion and think about what water means to you in your daily life!

Become more aware of the importance of promoting sustainable development worldwide by listening to stories from around the world about what countries and organisations are doing to solve the global water crisis. This will help you to better understand what is happening and shape the debate.

Share your stories and information on social media!

To celebrate the day fully, everyone will need their own water bottle to remind them to drink regularly. You can find water bottles of all different designs in the Water bottles section of UDENSPUDELE.LV.

Cheers to World Water Day!