This year’s World Water Day, on 22 March 2024, will take place under the theme ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’.
Aligned closely with the work carried out under the Water Convention, this year’s theme underscores the crucial role of transboundary water cooperation in fostering peace and sustainable development. Transboundary waters account for 60 per cent of the world’s freshwater flows - yet, only 24 countries out of the 153 countries sharing transboundary waters have all their transboundary basin area covered by cooperation arrangements.
The following key events are scheduled for World Water Day:
- Pivotal Event: The official celebrations will take place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, featuring distinguished speakers, technical presentations, field experiences, and cultural activities. The event will be webcasted live, offering a global audience the opportunity to participate. The launch of the UN World Water Development Report 2024, titled 'Water for Prosperity and Peace,' will be a central part of this celebration.
- Member State-led Events: Various countries will host events in New York and Geneva, supported by the Water Convention Secretariat, UN-Water and affiliated entities:
- Geneva: "Water as a catalyst for cooperative climate action and peace" (22 March, 10:00-11:30 CET, WMO Building, Salle Obasi), organizers: Slovenia, WMO, UNECE, Geneva Water Hub, Agenda
- New York: "Water as a driving force for peace and stability" (22 March, 2024, 14:00-16:00, UNHQ), organizers: Slovenia, Switzerland, Transboundary Water Cooperation Coalition