March 22, 2000 is World Day for Water

Following the decision of the United Nations General Assembly, the World Day for Water has been observed on 22 March since 1993. It is a day for reflection on the problems related to water to be faced in the coming years but it is also a day for joy and celebration in recognition of the many important roles water plays in every aspect of our lives.

At its nineteenth session, the ACC Subcommittee on Water Resources, co-ordinating freshwater-related activities of agencies and programmes of the UN family, entrusted UNESCO with the preparation of background material reflecting the lead-theme of the World Day for Water 2000. The theme selected for this particular year is "Water for the Twenty-first Century", focusing on the challenges to be faced by humanity in water resources development and management in the next century. This theme was selected to coincide with the completion of the World Water Vision project and the 2nd World Water Forum to be held in The Hague (Netherlands) 17-22 March 2000, thus mutually enhancing efforts and impacts. The background material is designed to show the dedication of UN agencies and programmes to water issues, but its primary objective is to provide reference material for those wishing to observe this day in national, regional and local contexts.

On the occasion of this celebration UNESCO, through the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of the Division of Water Sciences, has prepared a web site at the following address:

http://www.unesco.org/science/waterday2000

The final version of the web site will be ready by 1 March 2000. The web site will contain UNESCO's statement as well as those of the other UN water-related agencies. A great deal of water-related information can also be consulted on and downloaded from this web site.

UNESCO, through the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of the Division of Water Sciences, and the World Water Vision exercise invite everyone to join us in the celebration of this day.

(excerpt from letter by Andras Szollosi-Nagy, Director, Division of Water Sciences, UNESCO, 1 rue de Miollis, F-75015 Paris, Tel: +(33-1) 45 68 40 06)