For a planet that is nearly three-quarters water, it is remarkable how much we struggle with access to clean water. According to World Economic Forum, nearly 771 million people globally lack access to clean water near their homes. Every year, poor sanitation and unclean water kill millions of people.
World Water Day is an annual event that strives to raise awareness about the critical importance of freshwater and encourage sustainable water management practices. Water availability and management are critical for human life and success because it is one of the most valuable resources on our planet.
Every year on March 22, World Water Day is commemorated to raise awareness and inspire action to address the water and sanitation problem. The topic for this year is "Accelerating Change," and a campaign has been started to simply inspire people to take action to improve the way they use, consume, and manage water.
World Water Day 2023: Significance Of The Theme
The significance of the World Water Day theme "Accelerating Change" is that it underscores the critical need for immediate action to address the water and sanitation problem.
It encourages individuals, families, schools, and communities all across the world to make a difference by changing how they use, and manage water in their daily lives.
The subject emphasises the need for people to accept responsibility for sustainable water management and taking meaningful efforts to conserve and maintain this valuable resource.
Overall, the topic emphasises the significance of taking proactive efforts to address the water stress concerns that mankind is currently facing, and doing so at a rapid pace.
History Of The World Water Day:
The concept of a water day was first suggested in Agenda 21 during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. Later, in December 1992, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution, A/RES/47/193, designating March 22 as World Day for Water every year.
World Water Day's subject focuses on topics related to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), which aligns with the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6 or Global Goal 6) aims to provide "clean water and sanitation for all." The first World Water Day was celebrated in 1993.
Every year around World Water Day, the UN World Water Development Report (WWDR) is released. This underscores the need to ensure that everyone has access to water and sanitation.
The official World Water Day website lists events, activities, and volunteer opportunities, with the 2023 edition focused on stories of climate change adaptation and water efficiency.