World Water Day, held on the 22nd of March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing attention on the importance of water. This year’s theme is ‘Water for Peace’.

Water can create peace or spark conflict. When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries.

As climate change impacts increase, there is an urgent need, within and between countries, to unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource.

As populations grow, water will become increasingly important in the fight against poverty and the deterioration of the environment.

Cooperation on water can build vital resilience to extreme weather events and help populations to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate.

Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle.

Learn more about the 2024 World Water Day campaign, access materials and toolkits, and learn how you can be part of Water for Peace.

The information and graphics above was provided by the United Nations World Water Day campaign.