World Water Day, celebrated on March 22 every year, is an occasion to realise the importance of freshwater, especially this year amid the ongoing Bengaluru water crisis

World Water Day, celebrated on March 22 every year, is an occasion to realise the importance of freshwater, especially this year amid the ongoing Bengaluru water crisis. The tech hub is facing an acute water shortage due to failed monsoons and drying groundwater resources.

History

In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro saw the first formal proposal of World Water Day under Agenda 21. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 1992 by which March 22 was declared World Water Day.

Significance

The United Nations (UN) marks this day to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. On this day, the UN’s flagship report on water and sanitation is launched every year.

Theme

The theme for this year is ‘Water for prosperity and peace’. Thus, the 2024 edition of the UN’s flagship World Water Development Report (WWDR) report will explore this theme and be released today. The theme changes every year, but the central focus remains on topics relevant to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which is in line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Key takeaways from UN’s World Water Day 2024 message

• Water can create peace or spark conflict- Tensions in societies arise when water is scarce or polluted or when people struggle for access. We can balance everyone’s water needs only through cooperation.
• Prosperity and peace rely on water- Mass migration and political unrest make water cooperation a central part of how nations manage climate change.
• Water can lead us out of crisis- Harmony between communities and countries can be fostered by uniting around the fair and sustainable use of water. By approaching this goal at the international level via United Nations conventions and implementing actions at the local level, we can overcome the water crisis peacefully.
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Significance:

“World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance – held on 22 March – focusing on the importance of freshwater, coordinated by UN-Water and led by one or more UN-Water Members and Partners with a related mandate,” wrote the United Nations on their official website. The day aims to create conversations and raise awareness about the importance of saving water.

From drinking to cooking to bathing, water is a natural resource that is irreplaceable in our daily lives. Most of the water that we use for day-to-day activities comes from groundwater. Natural resources play a very important role in ensuring that we have a stable and healthy lifestyle. The importance of freshwater is optimal for good health. Freshwater ensures that we stay healthy, fit and fine.

Today marks the annual celebration of World Water Day – a day dedicated to spreading awareness of the importance of freshwater. The United Nations publishes its flagship report on water and sanitation every year on this day. The report focuses on a different theme each year and gives policy recommendations to decision-makers by offering best practices and in-depth analysis. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 6, the report emphasizes clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.