Three out of four of the jobs worldwide are water-dependent. In fact, water shortages and lack of access may limit economic growth in the years to come, according to the 2016 United Nations World Water Development Report, Water and Jobs, which will be launched on 22 March, World Water Day, in Geneva.
From its collection, through various uses, to its ultimate return to the natural environment, water is a key factor in the development of job opportunities either directly related to its management (supply, infrastructure, wastewater treatment, etc.) or in economic sectors that are heavily water-dependent such as agriculture, fishing, power, industry and health. Furthermore, good access to drinking water and sanitation promotes an educated and healthy workforce, which constitutes an essential factor for sustained economic growth.
In its analysis of the economic impact of access to water, the report cites numerous studies that show a positive correlation between investments in the water sector and economic growth. It also highlights the key role of water in the transition to a green economy.
The United Nations World Water Development Report is produced by the United Nations World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP), hosted by UNESCO on behalf of UN Water. It is the result of collaboration between the 31 UN bodies and 37 international partners that make up UN-Water. Its publication is timed to coincide with World Water Day, whose theme is also aligned with that of the report.
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The Report is under strict embargo until 22 March 2016 at 00:00 (CET)
It is available upon request.
Media contact: Agnès Bardon, UNESCO Media, +33 (0) 1 45 68 17 64, a.bardon(at)unesco.org