Coordinating the UN's work on water and sanitation
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UN-Water’s Campaigns

Every year, UN-Water coordinates the United Nations international observances on freshwater and sanitation. Depending on the official UN theme of the campaign, they are led by one or more UN-Water Members and Partners with a related mandate. On World Water Day, UN-Water releases the World Water Development Report focusing on the same topic as the campaign.

22 March
22 March

World Water Day is about taking action to tackle the water crisis. Today, 2.2 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio.

19 November
19 November

World Toilet Day is a day to tackle the global sanitation crisis – a topic often neglected and shrouded in taboos. Today, 2.4 billion people are struggling to stay well, keep their children alive and work their way to a better future – all for the want of a toilet.

United Nations Observances

The United Nations observes designated days, weeks, years, and decades, each with a theme, or topic.

By creating special observances, the United Nations promotes international awareness and action on these issues.  The majority of observances have been established by resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, although some have been designated by UN specialized agencies.

The United Nations also observes anniversaries of key events in its history.

More about the United Nations Observances.

Water Action Decade
Water Action Decade

In response to the ambitious 2030 Agenda, the Water Action Decade will accelerate efforts towards meeting water-related challenges, including limited access to safe water and sanitation, increasing pressure on water resources and ecosystems, and an exacerbated risk of droughts and floods.

Debate at the UN Headquarters in New York on the topic of dignity and equality.

World Toilet Day 2014

Launch of the 2015 World Water Development Report in Delhi, India.

World Water Day 2015

22 March 2012. Explaining the relationship between water and food.

World Water Day 2012

UN-Water thanks former Deputy-Secretary General of the UN, Jan Eliasson, for championing sanitation issues.

World Toilet Day 2016

Street awareness of water cooperation on World Water Day 2013.

World Water Day 2013