According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, in 2023, 2.2 billion people still live without safely managed drinking water , including 115 million people who drink surface water. At the same time, water-related disasters have dominated the list of disasters over the past 50 years and accounted for 70% of all deaths related to natural disasters in 2022 according to the The World Bank.
However, water can create peace as prosperity and peace rely on water. It can also spark conflict when it is scarce, polluted or difficult to access. Interestingly too, water can lead us out of crisis and foster harmony between communities and countries if we unite around the fair and sustainable use of water at all levels.
As we celebrate the World Water Day this year, let us put water cooperation at the heart of our plans for a stable and prosperous future.
Happy World Water Day!
