UN 
(UNITED NATIONS) By Bünyamin Sürmeli – March 22nd World Water Day is celebrated every year to remind us that water is more than just a drink, it is life itself. This year’s theme is “Harnessing Water for Peace”. The United Nations emphasizes that water is a vital resource and if not managed sustainably, it seriously threatens international peace and security.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the occasion of World Water Day: “We must not forget that water is a fundamental human right. However, the lack of sufficient international cooperation on the sharing and management of water resources leads to tensions in various regions. Therefore, using and sharing water for peace must be an international priority.”
Today, more than 3 billion people around the world depend on water resources beyond national borders. Yet international agreements to share these resources in a fair and sustainable way are rare. Water scarcity, pollution and poor water resource management are exacerbating tensions between countries and between neighbors across borders. These disputes often come to a head during periods of drought and trigger national security concerns.
Although the growing populations of large cities have the potential to invest the resources needed to combat water stress, water tensions are further deepening the gap between urban and rural areas. Inadequate water supplies threaten not only basic needs, but also social stability and economic development.
On the occasion of World Water Day, the United Nations calls on the international community to work more effectively towards equitable and sustainable management of water. Innovative water management practices are increasingly playing a major role in resolving conflicts and building peace by promoting cooperation, enhancing water security and supporting sustainable development.
World Water Day provides an opportunity to reflect on what is working in the management of water resources across borders and where we can find future opportunities. It is important to remember how important international agreements are to ensure the equitable sharing of transboundary water resources. The United Nations continues to work towards equitable and sustainable management of water resources, bringing together Member States and other stakeholders to build a global response to the water crisis.
