World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means
of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating
for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the
1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)
in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly responded by
designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193
of 22 December 1992 by which 22 March of each year was declared World
Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993, in conformity with the
recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED) contained in Chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of
Agenda 21.
States were invited to devote the Day, as appropriate in the
national context, to concrete activities such as the promotion of
public awareness through the production and dissemination of
documentaries and the organization of conferences, round tables,
seminars and expositions related to the conservation and development of
water resources and the implementation of the recommendations of
Agenda 21.
Why a World Water Day?
World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity
to learn more about water related issues, be inspired to tell others
and take action to make a difference. Each year, UN-Water — the entity
that coordinates the UN’s work on water and sanitation — sets a theme
for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. The
engagement campaign is coordinated by one or several of the UN-Water
Members with a related mandate.
