UN chief calls for recognizing true value of water

UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged the global community to recognize the true value of water in his message marking the World Water Day.

"For me, water means protection," the UN chief said.

He explained that a well-managed water cycle, encompassing drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, wastewater, transboundary governance and other key issues, "means defense against ill-health and indignity."

It means a "response to challenges from a changing climate and increasing global demand," Guterres added.

"The value of water is profound and complex. There is no aspect of sustainable development that does not fundamentally rely upon it," said the top UN official.

"This World Water Day, we want to record and understand as many views as possible, so decision-makers are better informed and equipped to safeguard this human right for every person and every purpose," he added.

"Today, we are not on track to ensure everyone has access to water and sanitation by 2030, as set out in Sustainable Development Goal 6. While advances being made, current progress needs to quadruple to achieve universal access," said the secretary-general.

"Chronic under-investment in water and sanitation disadvantages and harms vast numbers of people. This is unacceptable," he said.

On the high-level meeting on water, which kicked off Thursday, the UN chief said he was "encouraged" by the joint statement signed by some 160 countries during the high-level event. "This shows a strong commitment to advancing all water-related aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals."

"On this World Water Day, let us commit to intensifying efforts to truly valuing water so all may have equitable access to this most precious resource," he said.

According to a new UN report, about one in three people lack access to safe drinking water, and there are fears that by 2050, as many as 5.7 billion people could be living in areas where water is scarce for at least one month a year.

Furthermore, it is estimated that by 2040, global water demand could increase by more than 50 percent, putting additional stress on the vital resource.

One of the key reasons for water waste and misuse is the inability to recognize the value of water, according to the report.

World Water Day is an annual UN observance day held on March 22 that highlights the importance of fresh water. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.