The Secretary General Message
commemorate World Water Day
March 22, 2011
commemorate World Water Day
March 22, 2011
At a time when the world lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future, the vital interrelationship between water, food and energy poses one of the most difficult problems we face. Without water no dignity, no one can escape poverty. However, many countries still have much to do about the target on sanitation and water established in the Millennium Development Goals.
In little more than a generation, 60% of the world's population live in urban centers and cities, and most of this increase will occur in slums and squatter settlements in the developing world. This year's observance of World Water Day focuses on the theme "Water for Cities", which highlights some of the major challenges in this increasingly urban future.
Urbanization provides opportunities to carry out a more efficient water management and improve access to safe water and sanitation services. At the same time, problems often charge larger in cities, and are currently exceeding our ability to find solutions.
During the last decade the number of urban residents without running water at home or in the vicinity increased by about 114 million, and the number of people without access to basic health services has grown over 134 million. This increase of 20% has had grave consequences for human health and economic productivity, as people get sick and can not work.
In little more than a generation, 60% of the world's population live in urban centers and cities, and most of this increase will occur in slums and squatter settlements in the developing world. This year's observance of World Water Day focuses on the theme "Water for Cities", which highlights some of the major challenges in this increasingly urban future.
Urbanization provides opportunities to carry out a more efficient water management and improve access to safe water and sanitation services. At the same time, problems often charge larger in cities, and are currently exceeding our ability to find solutions.
During the last decade the number of urban residents without running water at home or in the vicinity increased by about 114 million, and the number of people without access to basic health services has grown over 134 million. This increase of 20% has had grave consequences for human health and economic productivity, as people get sick and can not work.
The water-related problems go beyond the issues of access. In many countries, lack of sanitary facilities requiring girls to leave school, and women are victims of harassment or assault when carrying water or go to public toilets. In addition, often the poorest and most vulnerable members of society are forced to buy water from vendors at prices informal sector, estimated to exceed between 20% and 100% paid by their wealthier neighbors, whose homes get running water through the municipal services. This situation is not only unsustainable but also unacceptable.
The water issues will figure prominently in the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 (Rio + 20). My High Level Group on Global Sustainability and UN-Water are considering how we can reconcile the issues of water, energy and security to reduce poverty and inequality, create jobs and to minimize the risks associated with changing climate and environmental problems.
On World Water Day, I urge all governments to recognize the true nature of the water crisis in urban areas: a governance crisis, caused by the measures inefficient and poor management, rather than a problem of scarcity. Commit ourselves to counter the alarming decline in investment in water projects and sanitation for the poor, and reaffirm our commitment to end the plight of the 800 million people in a world full of resources, yet lack of drinking water or sanitation services necessary to enjoy a decent life and good health.
The water issues will figure prominently in the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 (Rio + 20). My High Level Group on Global Sustainability and UN-Water are considering how we can reconcile the issues of water, energy and security to reduce poverty and inequality, create jobs and to minimize the risks associated with changing climate and environmental problems.
On World Water Day, I urge all governments to recognize the true nature of the water crisis in urban areas: a governance crisis, caused by the measures inefficient and poor management, rather than a problem of scarcity. Commit ourselves to counter the alarming decline in investment in water projects and sanitation for the poor, and reaffirm our commitment to end the plight of the 800 million people in a world full of resources, yet lack of drinking water or sanitation services necessary to enjoy a decent life and good health.
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