"We can take bold action to address water inequity as part of our efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for World Water Day 2016
Fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, near Madras, sail at dawn in their catamarans, consisting of four or five pieces of balsa wood tied together. UN Photo/John Isaac
Water means jobs
Water is the essential building block of life. But it is more than just essential to quench thirst or protect health; water is vital for creating jobs and supporting economic, social, and human development.
Today, half of the world's workers - 1.5 billion people - work in water-related sectors. Moreover, nearly all jobs, regardless of the sector, depend directly on water. Yet, despite the indelible link between jobs and water, millions of people whose livelihoods depend on water are often not recognized or protected by basic labour rights.
2016 Theme: Better Water, Better Jobs
This year's World Water Day theme focuses on the central role that water plays in creating and supporting good quality jobs. Learn more about this year's theme in this video:
Learn more about this year's theme and join the global celebrations by organizing your own event. Read more in the UN World Water Development Report, which is released on 22 March.
World Water Day is marked on 22 March every year. It’s a day to celebrate water. It’s a day to make a difference for the members of the global population who suffer from water related issues. It’s a day to prepare for how we manage water in the future. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March as the first World Water Day. 23 years later, World Water Day is celebrated around the world every year, shining the spotlight on a different issue. Join the movement.
Join the 2016 campaign to get informed, engaged and take action. You can also contribute on social media by using the hashtags #WaterIsWork and #WorldWaterDay.