World Water Day
Every year on March 22nd, the world celebrates World Water Day. The idea to establish this date was first proposed in 1992 during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro.
Water is the source of life; it is essential for all of humanity. Even a single drop of water holds great power and is necessary for every living being. Although water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, 97.5% of it is salt water. Of the remaining 2.5% of freshwater, nearly 68.7% is locked away in glaciers and ice caps. Consequently, only about 1% of the planet's total water resources is accessible for human use.
Currently, more than 663 million people live without a source of drinking water near their homes, and 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water services.
In the 20th century, water consumption increased sixfold, a rate twice as fast as the population growth. In developed countries, up to 30% of freshwater resources are lost due to leaks in water systems; in some large cities, this loss can reach 70%. However, water is more than just a means to quench thirst and maintain health. Water resources are of immense importance across all sectors of economic, social, and humanitarian development.
Based on a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on February 22, 1993, March 22 of each year was declared World Water Day. In accordance with the proposals of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, this date has been observed since 1993.
States were advised to dedicate this day to implementing UN recommendations and carrying out concrete actions at the national level. Each year, one of the UN agencies is appointed as the coordinator for World Water Day activities and is responsible for proposing a new theme under the leadership of the coordinating committee.
March 22 is a unique opportunity to remind humanity how vital water resources are for the environment and the development of society. Practical efforts can further deepen the understanding of the challenges and solutions in this field. To achieve good results, it is necessary not only to speak but to take responsibility and perform concrete work toward a common goal.
Aygozel TUVAKBERDYYEVA,
the 1st-year student of the Faculty of International Law
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.