The International Decade for Action: Water for Life 2005-2015
The primary goal of the The UN International Decade for Action: Water for Life 2005-2015 is to promote efforts to fulfill international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015. The 10-year period is critical. It is time to intensify advocacy efforts and action on the ground. Relevant commitments include the Millennium Development targets to reduce by half the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015. The water target was reiterated at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, where a sanitation target was added.
Achieving these targets will directly affect the lives and prospects of billions of people around the globe. A special emphasis will be placed on ensuring the involvement of women in these development efforts.
World Water Day (WWD) occurs each year on March 22nd.
In 2005, World Water Day coincided with the launch of the International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Life’, 2005-2015.
World Water Day 2007
Water scarcity: A serious health issue
21 March 2007 -- A lack of water to meet daily needs is a reality for many people around the world and has serious health consequences. Globally, water scarcity already affects four out of every 10 people. The situation is getting worse due to population growth, urbanization and increased domestic and industrial water use.
Water Scarcity: Resource sheet
World Water Day 2006
Water and culture: resource sheet
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Arabic
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Chinese
pdf, 263kb -
English
pdf, 48kb -
French
pdf, 44kb -
Russian
pdf, 238kb -
Spanish
pdf, 37kb
World Water Day 2005
- Celebrating water for life: The International Decade for Action 2005-2015
- Statement of Director-General Dr LEE Jong-Wook to mark International Decade for Action: Water for Life 2005-2015
Other important links
- UN Water
- United Nations General Assembly Resolution
- International Decade for Action Water for Life 2005–2015
- World Water Day
- WHO/UNICEF JMP report on progress with the Millennium Development Goals on Water Supply & Sanitation