"Let us also pledge to reverse the alarming decline in pro poor investment in water and sanitation. And let us reaffirm our commitment to ending the plight of the more than 800 million people who, in a world of plenty, still do not have the safe drinking water or sanitation they need for a life in dignity and good health."Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the World Water Day 22 March 2011
Young girls fetch water at a communal water pump. UN Photo/Evan Schneider.
Theme of the Day: “Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge”
The objective of World Water Day 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact on urban water systems of factors such as rapid urban population growth, industrialization, conflicts, natural disasters and the uncertainties caused by climate change.
This year's theme, "Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge," aims to spotlight and encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing water quality through urban water management.
International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater.