World Water Day is celebrated every March 22nd since 1993 to raise awareness among governments, non-governmental organizations, associations, and the public about the importance of fresh water and how to promote its sustainable management.
This observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly following the directives included in Agenda 21, a programmatic document that outlines concrete actions to be taken globally for sustainable development in the 21st century and was approved by 183 countries during the 1992 UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro.
The themes dedicated to the day vary each year, addressing the water crisis from different perspectives such as access to drinking water, drought, flood prevention, reducing water waste, proper wastewater management, and the correct conservation of water resources.
In 2021, the theme for World Water Day was "The Value of Water", highlighting its importance for our well-being, health, and development. In 2022, the day was dedicated to the theme "Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible"; an area, that of groundwater, which, though not visible, has a significant impact on our lives.
In 2023, the focus was on the theme "accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis" in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 of the 2030 Agenda, which ensures that by 2030 everyone has access to water and sanitation services.
Related issues such as the spread of microplastics in water, the importance of reducing water waste, and how to behave to counteract the climate crisis will also be addressed.
On the occasion of the 2023 United Nations Water Conference on resolving the water and sanitation crisis, the Water Action Agenda will also be launched, a document that collects commitments and actions taken by all sectors of society to accelerate the achievement of Goal No. 6 of the 2030 Agenda.