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. This date was designated as the World Water Day for the first time in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly, in response to the recommendation of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992.

Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. In 2013, in reflection of the International Year of Water Cooperation, World Water Day is also dedicated to the theme of cooperation around water and is coordinated by UNESCO in collaboration with UNECE and UNDESA on behalf of UN-Water.

In designating 2013 as the UN International Year of Water Cooperation, the UNGA recognizes that cooperation is essential to strike a balance between the different needs and priorities and share this precious resource equitably, using water as an instrument of peace. Promoting water cooperation implies an interdisciplinary approach bringing in cultural, educational and scientific factors, as well as religious, ethical, social, political, legal, institutional and economic dimensions.

The World Water Day follows the World Wetlands Day- celebrated on the 2nd February. This year’s selected theme is Wetlands and water management, chosen especially as 2013 is the UN International year of water cooperation. The slogan which summarizes the interconnectedness of these natural resources is simple and effective- Wetlands take care of water. The themes selected for both these important days bring to the forefront issues of water governance and the fragmented, sectoral way in which they have largely been managed as well as the issue of trans boundary water management.

We invite you to visit the designated website for the World Water Day and to read more about water cooperation and the activities that will take place worldwide.