World Water Day 2020: Know about History, Significance of Water Day and Theme ‘Water and Climate Change’

World Water Day is an annual UN observance day praised each year on March 22. This year it is about climate change and sustainable water management – and how the two are inseparably connected that features the significance of freshwater. This year, the theme for World Water Day is ‘Water and Climate Change’.

It is celebrated to mark the significance of freshwater and spreading awareness for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water Day is a chance to discuss activities and measures to save water. Water is a fundamental building block of life. It is something other than basic to extinguish thirst or ensure wellbeing; water is imperative for making jobs and supporting economic, social, and human development.

World Water Day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme of every day concentrates on topics pertinent to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), which is following the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 6. The UN World Water Development Report (WWDR) is released every year around World Water Day.

UN-Water is the convener for World Water Day and selects the theme for every year in meeting with UN associations that share an interest for that year’s focus. The theme for 2020 is “Water and Climate Change” and investigates how the two issues are inseparably linked. In light of the developing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 campaign additionally promoted messages around handwashing and hygiene and gave guidance on remaining safe while supporting the campaign.

World Water Day has celebrated the world over with a variety of events. These can be theatrical, musical or campaigning in nature. The day can likewise incorporate campaigns to fund-raise for water projects. The first World Water Day, assigned by the United Nations, was in 1993.

Significance of Water Day

World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the significance of freshwater.

World Water Day praises water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion individuals living without access to safe water. It is tied in with making a move to handle the global water emergency. A core focus of World Water Day is to help the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

World Water Day 2020 History

The thought for this global day returns to 1992, the year wherein the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro occurred. In December 1992, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193 by which 22 March of every year was proclaimed World Day for Water, to be observed beginning in 1993. An archive of past World Water Day campaign websites additionally exists.

Later on, different celebrations and events were included. For example, the International Year of Cooperation in the Water Sphere 2013, and the current International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028. These observances serve to reaffirm that water and sanitation measures are critical to poverty decrease, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

What is done on World Water Day?

A new World Water Development Report is released every year on or near World Water Day, to provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies. This report is coordinated by UNESCO’s World Water Development Program (WWAP) in the interest of UN-Water. The annual theme for World Water Day is lined up with the focus of the report. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 22 December 1992 by which 22 March of every year was announced World Day for Water. States were welcome to dedicate the Day, as appropriate in the national context, to come up with activities, for example, the promotion of public awareness through the publication and dissemination of documentaries and the association of conferences, round tables, seminars, and expositions identified with the conservation and improvement of water resources.

World Water Day 2020

UNESCO’s World Water Development wishes “Happy World Water Day” by giving a detailed report every year. The 2020 edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR 2020) entitled ‘Water and Climate Change’ will be propelled on World Water Day, 22 March 2020. The report targets assisting the water community by dealing with climate change and take proper measures on the best way to improve water management.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all events are deferred, remembering the global launch of the Report for Geneva. The 2020 United Nations World Water Development Report concentrates on the challenges, opportunities and potential reactions to climate change, regarding adaptation, moderation, and improved resilience that can be tended to through improving water management. The association of the combination of climate change adaptation with water is a decent proposal and battling both the causes and effects of climate change, including disaster hazard decrease.

World Water Day 2020: Theme

World Water Day 2020 is about water and climate change – and how the two are inseparably connected. The campaign shows how our use of water will help diminish floods, dry seasons, shortage, and pollution, and will help battle climate change itself.

By adapting to the water impacts of climate change, we will secure the health and spare lives. What’s more, by using water all the more effectively, we will diminish ozone greenhouse gas emissions.

In any case, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an extra spotlight on handwashing and hygiene.