By Faridat Salifu and George George Idowu
The global community comes together to advocate for peace and harmony on World Water Day 2024, celebrated annually on March 22nd since its inception in 1993.
This year’s theme, “Water For Peace,” underscores the crucial role of water in fostering stability and prosperity worldwide.
Amidst challenges like water scarcity, pollution, and unequal access, tensions between communities and nations can arise.
With over 3 billion people relying on water sources that cross international borders, cooperation becomes essential.
However, only 24 out of 153 countries sharing rivers, lakes, and aquifers have established cooperation agreements for all shared water sources.
As climate change impacts intensify and the global population grows, the urgency to safeguard and conserve water escalates.
It’s imperative to forge alliances aimed at protecting human rights and addressing basic needs, using water as a unifying force for sustainable development.
World Water Day, coordinated by UN-Water, serves as a platform to raise awareness and galvanize action on water-related issues.
In 2024, the Task Force of UN-Water Members and Partners, led by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UNESCO, spearheads impactful initiatives and collaborations.
On this occasion, it’s crucial to acknowledge water’s pivotal role in shaping peaceful and prosperous societies.
By joining forces and fostering global solidarity, we can ensure equitable access to water resources and pave the way for a sustainable future for all.