March 22nd is World Water Day
March 22nd is World Water Day, an iconic date established in 1992 during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that highlights the global importance of water and its sustainable management. Supported by government leaders, NGOs and civil society, this day was created to be commemorated on March 22 of each year with the purpose of addressing the challenge of reconciling economic development with environmental conservation. According to a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), some 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, including 115 million people who drink surface water. Since 2003, the United Nations (UN) has used this date to present the United Nations Water Development Report, a vital tool for informed decision-making. Starting in 2014, this report is published annually due to the deterioration of the water situation worldwide. Under this year’s theme, “Water for Peace,” the importance of cooperation in water management is highlighted to promote harmony, prosperity and resilience in the face of common challenges. This cooperation is essential, given that water plays a crucial role in multiple sectors, from the operation of important infrastructure such as the Panama Canal, to energy generation, industry, agriculture and, of course, human consumption. Furthermore, access to drinking water is essential for the well-being and health of the Panamanian population. Therefore, international cooperation and the adoption of sound policies are crucial to ensure equity and sustainability in water use and management in Panama and around the world.
