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{{Short description|Annual United Nations observance}}
{{Distinguish|World Water Monitoring Day}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox holiday|holiday_name = World Water Day
|type = international
|longtype =
|image = World water day - choir singing (4459460043).jpg
|caption = A World Water Day celebration in [[Kenya]] in 2011
|official_name =
|nickname =
|observedby = People and organizations worldwide, including all [[Member states of the United Nations|UN member states]]
|duration = 1 day
|frequency = Annual
|firsttime = 22 March 1993
|date = 22 March
|scheduling = same day each year
|celebrations =
|relatedto = [[Water]], [[Sustainable development]], [[Sustainability]]
}}
'''World Water Day''' is an annual [[United Nations]] (UN) observance day held on the [[22 March|22nd of March]] that highlights the importance of [[fresh water]]. The day is used to advocate for the [[sustainable management]] of [[Water resources|freshwater resources]].<ref name="UNWATER2" /> The theme of each year focuses on topics relevant to [[Drinking water|clean water]], [[sanitation]] and [[hygiene]] ([[WASH]]), which is in line with the targets of [[Sustainable Development Goal 6]].<ref name="JMP2017">WHO and UNICEF (2017) [https://www.susana.org/en/knowledge-hub/resources-and-publications/library/details/2805 Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: 2017 Update and SDG Baselines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227032419/https://www.susana.org/en/knowledge-hub/resources-and-publications/library/details/2805 |date=27 February 2020 }}. Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 2017</ref> The [[UN World Water Development Report]] (WWDR) is released each year around World Water Day.
[[UN-Water]] is the convener for World Water Day and selects the theme for each year in consultation with UN organizations that share an interest in that year's focus.<ref name="UNWATER2" /> The theme for 2021 was "Valuing Water" and the public campaign invited people to join a global conversation on social media to "tell us your stories, thoughts and feelings about water".<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=World Water Day|url=https://www.worldwaterday.org/|url-status=live|access-date=21 March 2021|website=UN-Water|archive-date=1 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601030038/https://www.worldwaterday.org/}}</ref>
In 2020, the theme was "Water and Climate Change".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=|date=2020|title=World Water Day 2020 – Water and Climate Change|url=https://archive.worldwaterday.org/2020/|url-status=live|access-date=21 March 2021|website=UN-Water|language=en-US|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306163004/https://archive.worldwaterday.org/2020/}}</ref> Previous themes for the years 2016 to 2019 were "Water and Jobs'",<ref name=":0" /> "Why waste water?"<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://worldwaterday.org/2017/theme/|title=World Water Day theme (2017)|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012175433/http://worldwaterday.org/2017/theme/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "Nature for Water",<ref name=":3" /> and "Leaving no one behind".<ref name=":1" /> World Water Day is celebrated around the world with a variety of events. These can be theatrical, musical or [[lobbying]] in nature. The day can also include campaigns to raise money for water projects. The first World Water Day, designated by the [[United Nations]], was in 1993.<ref name="UNWATER2" />{{TOC limit|3}}
==
[[File:My School Toilet puppet theatre (5226853487).jpg|thumb|Children presenting a puppet show for the "My School Toilet" contest in [[Cagayan de Oro]], Philippines, for World Water Day in 2010]]
World Water Day is an [[List of international observances|international observance day]]. The intention is to inspire people around the world to learn more about water-related issues and to take action to make a difference.<ref name="UNWATER2" /> In 2020, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], there was an additional focus on [[hand washing]] and hygiene.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Promote hand hygiene to save lives and combat COVID-19|url=https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/04-05-2020-promote-hand-hygiene-to-save-lives-and-combat-covid-19|access-date=2021-03-22|website=www.who.int|language=en|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308125653/https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/04-05-2020-promote-hand-hygiene-to-save-lives-and-combat-covid-19|url-status=live}}</ref>
Relevant issues include [[water scarcity]], [[water pollution]], inadequate [[water supply]], lack of [[sanitation]], and the impacts of [[climate change]] (which is the theme of World Water Day 2020<ref name=":4" />). The day brings to light the inequality of access to [[WASH]] services and the need to assure the [[Right to water|human right to water and sanitation]].
The World Water Day website announces events, activities and volunteer opportunities. In 2020, featured stories are about adapting to the water effects climate change and using water more efficiently.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldwaterday.org/2020-home/learn/|title=World Water Day 'What is being done?' (2020)|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116003023/https://www.worldwaterday.org/2020-home/learn/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Convener ===
[[UN-Water]] coordinates activities with UN member organisations who share an interest in that year's theme. UN-Water mobilizes organizations of all kinds to action, whether globally or locally.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-25|title=Celebration of World Water day in 2021 – Valuing Water|url=https://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday2021/|access-date=2021-03-22|website=UN-Water|language=en-US|archive-date=22 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322125546/https://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Examples of activities ==
[[Non-governmental organization]]s active in the [[WASH]] sector, such as [[UNICEF]], [[WaterAid]] and Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP), use the day to raise public awareness, get [[media attention]] for water issues and inspire action.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org/jordan/media_10914.html|title=Humanitarian agencies come together to promote water conservation on World Water Day in Jordan|date=22 March 2016|access-date=20 March 2017|archive-date=20 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320233052/https://www.unicef.org/jordan/media_10914.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Activities have included releasing publications and films, as well as organizing round tables, seminars and expositions.<ref name=":5" />
[[End Water Poverty]], a global [[civil society]] coalition with 250 partner organizations, sponsors Water Action Month each year and offers an event-planning guidebook.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.endwaterpoverty.org/news/water-action-month-2018|title=Water Action Month|website=End Water Poverty: Sanitation and Water for All|access-date=20 March 2017|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192936/https://www.endwaterpoverty.org/news/water-action-month-2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021|title=2021 water, sanitation and hygiene barometer|url=https://www.solidarites.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/water-barometer-2021.pdf|url-status=live|website=SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL|access-date=13 April 2021|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325000242/https://www.solidarites.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/water-barometer-2021.pdf}}</ref>
The [[UN World Water Development Report|UN World Water Development Report (WWDR)]] is released each year on World Water Day. Information related to the annual theme gives decision-makers tools to implement sustainable use of [[water resources]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unwater.org/publication_categories/world-water-development-report/|title=World Water Development Report|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321081324/http://www.unwater.org/publication_categories/world-water-development-report/|url-status=live}}</ref>
More and more initiatives in schools and universities are educating people about the importance of conserving and managing water resources.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kidworldcitizen.org/2012/03/22/celebrate-world-water-day-with-games-and-activities-for-all-ages/|title=Celebrate World Water Day with Games and Activities for all ages!|date=22 March 2012|website=Kids World Citizen|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015158/http://kidworldcitizen.org/2012/03/22/celebrate-world-water-day-with-games-and-activities-for-all-ages/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kidworldcitizen.org/2015/03/22/hands-on-water-activities-for-kids/|title=Hands-on Water Activities for Kids|date=22 March 2015|website=Kids World Citizen|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322014906/http://kidworldcitizen.org/2015/03/22/hands-on-water-activities-for-kids/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TES">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/world-water-day-2017-primary-resources-6415485|title=World Water Day 2017 Primary Resources|website=tes.com|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322111437/https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/world-water-day-2017-primary-resources-6415485|url-status=live}}</ref> For example, [[Michigan State University]] held a contest for "best World Water Day poster" in 2017. Primary school children in [[Philippines|the Philippines]] participated in a "My School Toilet" contest in 2010.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Wendland, C|last2=Rieck, C|last3=Roenitzsch, S|last4=van Epps, A.|title=Making WASH in Schools more sustainable – Case Stories from SuSanA Partners.|date=2014|publisher=SuSanA|url=http://www.susana.org/en/resources/library/details/2077|ref=Susana2014|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322111416/http://www.susana.org/en/resources/library/details/2077|url-status=live}}</ref>
==History==
This day was first formally proposed in [[Agenda 21]] of the 1992 [[Earth Summit|United Nations Conference on Environment and Development]] in [[Rio de Janeiro]]. In December 1992, the [[United Nations General Assembly]] adopted resolution A/RES/47/193 by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water.<ref name="UNWATER2" />
In 1993, the first World Water Day was observed.<ref name="UNWATER2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day|title=UN-Water: World Water Day|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909130649/https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day|url-status=live}}</ref> An archive of previous World Water Day campaign websites also exists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldwaterday.org/2020-home/archive/|title=Archive of previous World Water Day websites|website=UN Water – Archive|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=7 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307015042/https://www.worldwaterday.org/2020-home/archive/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Annual themes ==
=== Prior to 2014 ===
In the years prior to 2014, the annual themes were as follows:<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.unwater.org/what-we-do/inspire-action/|title=UN Water What We Do, Inspire Action (Official themes and previous campaigns)|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118205639/http://www.unwater.org/what-we-do/inspire-action/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1994: Caring for our Water Resources is Everybody's Business
* 1995: Women and Water
* 1996: Water for Thirsty Cities
* 1997: The World's Water: Is there enough?
* America ad: Water for Health
* 2002: Water for Development. The poor and deteriorating state of water resources in many parts of the world demand [[Integrated water resources management|integrated water resources planning and management]].
* 2003: Water for Future. Maintain and improve the quality and quantity of fresh water available to future generations.
* 2004: Water and Disasters. Weather, climate and water resources can have a devastating impact on socio-economic development and on the well-being of humankind.
* 2005: [[Water for Life Decade|Water for Life Decade 2005–2015]]. The United Nations General Assembly at its 58th session in December 2003 agreed to proclaim the years 2005 to 2015 the International Decade for Action, beginning with World Water Day, 22 March 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/|title=UN Decade for Water 2005–2015|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=10 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010070334/http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/|url-status=live}}</ref> The phrase Water for Life Decade was also used.
* 2006: Water and Culture. The theme drew the attention to the fact that there are as many ways of viewing, using, and celebrating water as there are cultural traditions across the world.
* 2007: Coping With Water Scarcity. Highlighted [[water scarcity]] worldwide and the need for increased integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources, both at international and local levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2007/|title=World Water Day 2007|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130922/http://wwd.unwater.org/2007/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:World Water Day (3384841410).jpg|thumb|World Water Day 2009: US soldiers cleaning a river in South Korea]]
* 2008: [[Sanitation]]. 2008 was also the [[International Year of Sanitation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2008/|title=World Water Day 2008|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130639/http://wwd.unwater.org/2008/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2009: Trans Waters. Special focus placed on [[International waters|trans-boundary waters]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2009/|title=World Water Day 2009|website=World Water Day 2009|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130924/http://wwd.unwater.org/2009/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2010: Clean Water for a Healthy World. Dedicated to water quality, reflecting its importance alongside quantity of the resource in water management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2010/|title=World Water Day 2010|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018}}</ref>
* 2011: Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge. The aim was to spotlight and encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenges of urban water management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2011/|title=World Water Day 2011|website=World Water Day|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309104949/http://wwd.unwater.org/2011/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2012: Water and Food Security: The World is Thirsty Because We are Hungry. On the occasion of 2012 World Water Day, the International Committee of the Red Cross ([[International Committee of the Red Cross|ICRC]]) called attention to the water-related challenges faced by civilians caught up in fighting and intense civil unrest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2012/|title=World Water Day 2012|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309095102/http://wwd.unwater.org/2012/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2013: International Year of Cooperation. In December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2013 as the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation. In reflection of this declaration, the 2013 World Water Day was dedicated to water cooperation.
=== 2014 – Water and Energy ===
The 2014 theme of Water and Energy emphasized the close linkages and interdependence of water and energy and brought attention to the [[water-energy nexus]].<ref name="UNWATER2014" /> About 8% of the energy generated globally is used for pumping, treating and transporting water to various consumers. Furthermore, generating and transmitting energy requires the use of water resources, particularly for [[Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]], [[Nuclear power|nuclear]], and [[thermal energy]] sources.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
The aim of that year's theme was to facilitate the development of policies and crosscutting frameworks that would bridge ministries and sectors. It was meant to lead the way to energy security and sustainable water use in a [[green economy]].<ref name="UNWATER2014">{{Cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2014/|title=World Water Day 2014|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=20 March 2018}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Journalists from 11 countries in Asia met in Tokyo from 20 to 21 March 2014 to discuss the importance of water. The event included discussion panels on topics such as privatization of services, integration between water and energy and modernization of water services. The journalists also developed four joint stories and 20 individual story ideas for a network of Asian journalists writing on water (and energy) in social media.<ref name="UN2016">{{Cite book|url=https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/pdf/final_report_wwd2014_journalist_workshop.pdf|title=Water and Energy Report on the Journalists Workshop|publisher=UNW-DPAC|year=2014|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829180631/http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/pdf/final_report_wwd2014_journalist_workshop.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 2015 – Water and Sustainable Development ===
With the theme 'Water and Sustainable Development', the year 2015 provided an important opportunity to consolidate and build upon the previous World Water Days to highlight water's role in the sustainable development agenda.<ref name="UNWATER">{{Cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2015/|title=World Water Day 2015|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=20 March 2018}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The [[Millennium Development Goals]] (MDGs) were to have been achieved by 2015, so the year lent itself to discussions of the post-MDG period and aspirations for water and sustainable development. With the launch of the [[Sustainable Development Goals]] (SDGs), World Water Day gave specific emphasis to SDG 6, which calls for water and sanitation for all, by encouraging discussion of how SDG 6 could be achieved by 2030.<ref name="UNWATER2" />
=== 2016 – Better Water, Better Jobs ===
The 2016 theme of "Better water, better jobs" highlighted the correlation between water and job creation, both directly and indirectly, by water sources around the globe.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2016/|title=World Water Day 2016|publisher=UN-Water|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=6 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006131321/http://wwd.unwater.org/2016/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The theme led to a collaboration with the [[International Labour Organization]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilo.org/sector/WCMS_458061/lang--en/index.htm|title=Event to mark World Water Day 2016 and launch the World Water Development Report|website=International Labour Organisation|date=22 March 2016|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321192648/http://www.ilo.org/sector/WCMS_458061/lang--en/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> As water scarcity becomes more of a reality, industries heavily dependent on water like textiles and agriculture are at risk of increased costs, which threatens salaries and jobs. Increased costs may then be passed on to consumers.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
The theme also highlights how an abundance of quality water can change people's jobs and lives for the better. The 2016 celebration created recognition for those working to improve water quality and availability, and the need for many to transition to other and better jobs.<ref name=":0" /> Three out of four of jobs worldwide are water-dependent. Water shortages and lack of access may limit economic growth in the years to come, according to the 2016 United Nations World Water Development Report.<ref>UN-Water (2016) [http://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-report-2016/ World Water Development Report 2016: Water and jobs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807131514/https://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-report-2016/ |date=7 August 2020 }}, Geneva, Switzerland</ref>
=== 2017 – Why Waste Water? ===
In 2017, the theme was "Why Waste Water?" which was about reducing and [[reclaimed water|reusing wastewater]].<ref name=":2"/> The theme was a play on words as it related to both the aspect of wasting [[Drinking water|water]] and issues around [[wastewater]], namely [[Wastewater treatment|treatment]] and reuse. Wastewater is a valuable resource to help achieve the [[Sustainable Development Goal 6|Sustainable Development Goal Number 6]]. One aspect of Target 6.3 is to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and also to increase the recycling and safe reuse of water across the globe. After appropriate treatment, wastewater can be used for a variety of purposes. Industry, for example, can reuse water in [[cooling towers]] and agriculture can reuse water for [[irrigation]].<ref>UN-Water (2017) [http://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-report-2017/ World Water Development Report 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108031041/http://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-report-2017/ |date=8 November 2018 }}, Geneva, Switzerland</ref>
An example activity for 2017 was the Wikipedia [[edit-a-thon]] organized by members of the [[Sustainable Sanitation Alliance]] on 19–21 March 2017. The purpose of the activity was to improve water and [[sanitation]] related content on [[Wikipedia]] just ahead of World Water Day. The goal was to improve the quantity and quality of sanitation information available on Wikipedia for the use of teachers, journalists and the general public.<ref>"[https://views-voices.oxfam.org.uk/wash/2017/03/wikipedia-a-tool-for-advocacy/ Wikipedia: a tool for Advocacy?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220183643/https://views-voices.oxfam.org.uk/2017/03/wikipedia-a-tool-for-advocacy/ |date=20 February 2023 }}". Oxfam Policy & Practice, Views & Voices, retrieved 20 March 2017</ref>
=== 2018 – Nature for Water ===
The theme in 2018 explored how nature can be used to overcome the water challenges of the 21st century.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://wwd.unwater.org/2018/|title=World Water Day Theme (2018)|website=UN Water|access-date=7 February 2019|archive-date=6 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006131319/http://wwd.unwater.org/2018/|url-status=dead}}</ref> This could be in the form of [[nature-based solutions]] to water-related challenges. For example, reducing [[flood]]s, [[drought]]s, [[water pollution]] and protecting [[ecosystem]]s could be solved using natural means, which nature uses, rather than man-made approaches. Restoring [[wetlands]], implementing [[constructed wetlands]], [[green roof]]s, [[green infrastructure]], planting new forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, are some examples. Each of these use natural processes to rebalance the [[water cycle]] and improve human health and livelihoods.<ref>UN-Water (2018) [http://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-report-2018/ World Water Development Report 2018: Nature-based Solutions for Water] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908083130/http://www.unwater.org/publications/world-water-development-report-2018/ |date=8 September 2019 }}, Geneva, Switzerland</ref>
=== 2019 – Leaving No One Behind ===
The theme of 2019 was about tackling the [[Water scarcity|water crisis]] by addressing the reasons why so many people are being left behind. [[Social exclusion|Marginalized groups]] – women, children, [[refugee]]s, [[indigenous peoples]], [[Disability|disabled people]] – are often overlooked, and may face discrimination, as they try to access safe water.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=World Water Day Theme 2019|url=https://archive.worldwaterday.org/2020/world-water-day-2019-water-for-all/2019/|url-status=live|access-date=22 March 2021|website=UN Water|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306162732/https://archive.worldwaterday.org/2020/world-water-day-2019-water-for-all/2019/}}</ref><ref name="WWDR2019">{{Cite web|url=https://en.unesco.org/themes/water-security/wwap/wwdr/2019|title=United Nations World Water Development Report|website=Unesco|date=11 February 2019|access-date=25 April 2019|archive-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129001038/https://en.unesco.org/themes/water-security/wwap/wwdr/2019|url-status=live}}</ref> UN-Water asserts that "water services must meet the needs of marginalized groups and their voices must be heard in decision-making processes".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldwaterday.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/WWD2019_factsheet_EN_vs4_29Jan2019.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124114/http://www.worldwaterday.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/WWD2019_factsheet_EN_vs4_29Jan2019.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2019 |title=World Water Day 2019 Factsheet|website=UN Water|access-date=7 February 2019}}</ref>
=== 2020 – Water and Climate Change ===
The theme of World Water Day 2020 was about water and [[Global warming|climate change]] – and how the two are inextricably linked. UN-Water states that "adapting to the water effects of climate change will protect health and save lives". Also, using water more efficiently will reduce [[Greenhouse-gas emissions|greenhouse gas emissions]].<ref name=":6" /> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the 2020 campaign also promoted messages of [[hand washing]] and [[hygiene]] and gave guidance on staying safe while supporting the campaign.
=== 2021 – Valuing Water ===
The theme for 2021 is "Valuing Water".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-22|title=World Water Day 2021: Date, Theme, History, Slogan, Quotes, Significance|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/world-water-day/|access-date=2021-03-22|website=S A NEWS|language=en-US|archive-date=22 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322123716/https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/world-water-day/|url-status=live}}</ref> People were invited to join a global conversation to "tell us your stories, thoughts and feelings about water" on social media using the hashtag [https://twitter.com/hashtag/water2me?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Ehashtag #Water2me]. The campaign looked beyond the issue of pricing, asking the public: "How is water important to your home and family life, your livelihood, your cultural practices, your wellbeing, your local environment?".<ref name=":5" />
=== 2022 – Groundwater, Making the Invisible Visible ===
The theme for 2022 is "Groundwater, Making the [[social invisibility|Invisible]] Visible".<ref>{{cite web |title="Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible" the theme of World Water Day 2022 {{!}} IGRAC |url=https://www.un-igrac.org/news/groundwater-making-invisible-visible-theme-world-water-day-2022 |website=www.un-igrac.org |access-date=6 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=6 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106162855/https://www.un-igrac.org/news/groundwater-making-invisible-visible-theme-world-water-day-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Groundwater]] is the largest source of [[Fresh water|freshwater]] on earth. However, being stored underneath the surface, it is often overlooked. Therefore, [https://www.un-igrac.org IGRAC] and [http://www.unesco.org/water/ihp UNESCO-IHP] initiated a World Water Day exclusively focused on this resource. The campaign is built around three main groundwater-related topics/issues, namely: (1) The invisible ingredient in food, (2) a resource without borders, and (3) a finite supply. The campaign also built around other products and events in this so-called 'year of groundwater'. The groundwater catalogue will be launched during the [http://worldwaterforum.org World Water Forum] in [[Dakar]], [[Senegal]]. The final event related to the campaign will be the Groundwater Summit 2022,<ref>{{cite web |title=Groundwater Summit {{!}} IGRAC |url=http://www.groundwater-summit.org/ |website=www.un-igrac.org |language=en |access-date=20 February 2023 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128071722/https://groundwater-summit.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> held in Paris, France.
=== 2023 – Accelating Change ===
The theme for 2023 is accelating change.<ref>[https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day World Water Day, United Nations]</ref> Dysfunction throughout [[water cycle]] undermines progress on all major global issues, from health to hunger, gender equality to jobs, education to industry, and disasters to peace.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
=== 2024 – Water for Prosperity and Peace ===
The theme for 2024 is "Water for Peace". The key messages read, 'Water can create peace or spark conflict. When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal, or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries.', 'Prosperity and peace rely on water. As nations manage climate change, mass migration and political unrest, they must put water cooperation at the heart of their plans.', and 'Water can lead us out of crisis. We can foster harmony between communities and countries by uniting around the fair and sustainable use of water – from United Nations conventions at the international level, to actions at the local level.'<ref>[https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day World Water Day 2024, United Nations]</ref>
== Impacts ==
Every year, World Water Day campaign messages and publications reach millions of people through [[social media]], dedicated websites and other channels. In 2021, the World Water Day public campaign invited people to take part in a social media conversation ([https://twitter.com/hashtag/water2me?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Ehashtag #Water2me]) about the value of water. More than 6,000 public conversations took place in over 140 countries on social media from [[November]] 2020 to mid-February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=World Water Day 2021: social media listening exercise: 'What did people say?'|url=https://www.worldwaterday.org/stories/story/what-did-people-say|url-status=dead|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=6 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006131319/https://www.worldwaterday.org/stories/story/what-did-people-say}}</ref>
In 2017, 700 individual events were held in 110 countries and there were over 500,000 authors on social media using the hashtag '#WorldWaterDay'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-water-annual-report-2017/|title=UN-Water Annual Report 2017|website=UN-Water|access-date=3 March 2020|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022025745/https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-water-annual-report-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, there was a 25% increase in both the number of website visits and the maximum potential reach on social media largely due to celebrity support and a coordinated communications approach across the [[United Nations]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-water-annual-report-2018/|title=UN-Water Annual Report 2018|website=UN-Water|access-date=3 March 2020|archive-date=28 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028140526/https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-water-annual-report-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2016, the UN-Water annual report stated that social media engagement (hashtag #WorldWaterDay), had a maximum potential reach of 1.6 billion people worldwide in 2016.<ref name="UNWater2016">{{Cite book|url=http://www.unwater.org/publications/un-water-annual-report-2016/|title=Annual Report UN-Water|publisher=UN-Water|year=2016|location=Geneva, Switzerland|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022025749/https://www.unwater.org/publications/un-water-annual-report-2016/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|21}} Over 500 events in 100 countries were registered on the World Water Day website that year.<ref name="UNWater2016" />{{rp|21}}
==See also==
* [[Human right to water and sanitation]]
* [[Sustainable Development Goal 6]]
* [[WASH]]
* [[World Water Forum]]
* [[World Toilet Day]]
* [[Water issues in developing countries]]
* [[List of awareness days]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* [https://www.worldwaterday.org World Water Day] – Official website
* [https://www.worldwaterday.org/archives Archive of previous World Water Day campaigns]
* [http://www.unwater.org UN-Water]
* [https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-days-and-weeks International days currently observed by the United Nations]
* [https://sdg.fairgaze.com/one-day-for-water.html #OneDayForWater]
* [https://www.webpakistani.com/world-water-day/ World Water Day] – Complete Information
* [https://www.webpakistani.com/world-water-day/ World Water Day] – Complete Information
* [https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/world-water-day-2024-precious-blue-liquid-is-a-thin-red-line-between-war-and-peace-says-un-report-95176 World Water Day 2024: Precious blue liquid is a thin red line between war and peace, says UN report]
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[[Category:Environmental awareness days]]
[[Category:Health awareness days]]
[[Category:March observances]]
[[Category:United Nations days]]
[[Category:Water and politics]]
[[Category:Water and society]]
[[Category:Observances about food and drink]]
[[Category:Sanitation]]
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