Introduction
World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water. This year’s theme, ‘Nature for Water’, explores nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges we face in the 21st century.
The campaign is called ‘The answer is in nature’ and raises awareness of NBS. The central message is that NBS, such as planting trees to replenish forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands, is a sustainable and cost-effective way to help rebalance the water cycle, mitigate the effects of climate change and improve human health and livelihoods.
By using NBS to help meet the water needs of a growing population, we will contribute to the creation of a circular economy, at the same time as helping to protect the natural environment and reduce pollution - both key targets in Sustainable Development Goal 6, which commits the world to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
A global campaign for nature This year’s theme for the global World Water Day campaign explores nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century. Learn more in this film and get inspired by stories about nature-based solutions.
Launch of the Water Action Decade The President of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák has identified sustainable development as a priority. Therefore, on World Water Day, 22 March 2018, he will launch the International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028 aiming to further improve cooperation, partnership and capacity development in response to the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Programme and more information here.
Launch of the World Water Development Report The 2018 edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR 2018) will be launched in Brazil on 19 March at the 8th World Water Forum. It seeks to inform policy and decision-makers about the potential of nature-based solutions to address contemporary water management challenges across all sectors, and particularly regarding water for agriculture, sustainable cities, disaster risk reduction and improving water quality. Read more and welcome to the session in Brasilia.
World Water Day celebrates 25 years of existence On 22 March, World Water Day, come celebrate 25 years of a annual global focus on water. The celebratory session and reception will be held at the 8th World Water Forum in Brazil and is organized by the Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Environment and UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water. Welcome!
Photo exhibit at the United Nations in New York Clean Water Here Foundation and 1X will present a global photography exhibition at the United Nations Secretariat building in New York. Following a call for photos on Sustainable Development Goal 6, 12 photos have been selected by a prestigious jury members and will be exhibited in New York before moving on to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Latest on SDG 6 monitoring and reporting On Wednesday 21 March, participants at the World Water Forum will get a chance to learn more about the Integrated Monitoring Initiative and UN-Water's SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2018 on Water and Sanitation. In a special session, participants will discuss the new data coming out in the report in June in time for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Welcome to the session.
Events around the world Organizations, individuals, governments are gearing up for World Water Day by organizing events around the world. Join the global community here and download resources for your events