UN chief charges women to accelerate progress on water

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on women to accelerate progress on water and sanitation for all.

Guterres made this appeal in his message on the occasion of World Water Day.

World Water Day is an annual United Nations day of observance on March 22 that highlights the importance of fresh water.

The day is used to support the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

World Water Day 2026 with the theme: “Water and Gender Equality – Where water flows, equality grows”, is a call for a transformative, rights-based approach that places women’s leadership at the heart of water solutions.

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The UN chief said too often that water was a source of conflict, but stressed that it could also bring people together and contribute to peace.

“This year’s UN Water Conference will bring the world together to accelerate progress on water and sanitation for all.

“Together, let’s make water a force for gender equality and let the benefits reach every community in the world,” she said.

According to him, this year’s World Water Day reminds us that safe water and sanitation play a vital role in supporting the rights and health of women and girls.

“When access is lacking, it is women and girls who pay the highest toll, relying on unsafe toilets, caring for family members sick from contaminated water, and spending hours every day fetching water from crowded municipal sources – a task that keeps many girls home from school.

“This year’s theme points to the solution: “Where water flows, equality grows.”

“It is time for governments to increase investment and strengthen national water and sanitation systems, through improved delivery capabilities, workforce training and reliable financing.”

The UN chief also said that developed countries must share the technologies, expertise and financing needed to build safe, sustainable and resilient water and sanitation infrastructure.

(NAN)

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