World Water Day 2023: Let’s know the History, significance, and theme
World Water Day is marked annually on March 22 to draw attention to the value of water and to the worldwide water issue. The purpose of the day is to “help the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030,” according to the United Nations website.
The major goal of the day is to raise awareness of and motivate people to manage freshwater resources sustainably, as well as to learn more about issues linked to water, such as water pollution, shortages, insufficient water, and lack of sanitation, and to take the necessary action to make a difference.
History:
On December 22, 1992, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution designating March 22 as World Water Day. Since that time, March 22 has become a day of celebration for people all around the world. In 1993, the inaugural World Water Day was celebrated.
Significance:
The proverb “Water is the elixir of life” is well known. It is necessary for everything in life, from drinking to cleaning. While many individuals enjoy the luxury of having access to flowing water constantly, a sizable portion of the world’s population lacks any kind of water supply.
According to the UN, two billion people worldwide now lack access to clean drinking water. An estimated 1.4 million people every year pass away from illnesses brought on by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene, and 74 million will have their lives cut short. By 2050, the OECD projects that there will be a 55% rise in world water demand (measured in water withdrawals).
To combat the water problem, several organisations, Charities, and people commemorate the day by practising water conservation in their own unique ways.
Theme:
“Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis” is the topic for World Water Day in 2023, highlighting the importance of acting quickly to resolve the worldwide water issue. The UN is also launching the UN 2023 Water Conference, which will take place in New York, United States, from March 22–24. This will be the first gathering of its sort in over 50 years.
