Protecting freshwater ecosystems like lakes is central to biodiversity, water, energy and food security, and offers climate resilience.

We need two things to happen at once: the United Nations must take the global lead on water as a critical issue, and water must be mainstreamed across all other intergovernmental processes related to sustainable development.

Ahead of World Toilet Day (19 November), the UN Chronicle spoke with Jack Sim, Founder and Director of the World Toilet Organization. Mr. Sim, popularly known as "Mr. Toilet", who discussed the important role of toilets and sanitation in achieving sustainable development; his work to improve sanitation systems throughout the world; and progress towards the goal of ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to a functioning toilet whenever needed. 
 

This year’s conference will place particular focus on what can be described as “invisible water”—groundwater, soil moisture and atmospheric water. These occurrences of water are often forgotten, even by experts in the water community, and their potential is therefore not fully explored.

Recognizing, measuring and expressing water’s worth, and incorporating it into decision-making, are fundamental to achieving sustainable and equitable water resources management and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Embracing adaptation and mitigation measures through water is a win-win-win proposal. It benefits sustainable water resources management and the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Organizations, partnered with the corporate sector and individual citizens at the local level, can significantly reduce plastic pollution around the world. 

It is estimated that over the next 10 years, climate change and resulting weather extremes will affect around 175 million children a year. We need to increase equitable access to sustainable water sources and improved sanitation, so that in times of both stability and crisis, every child is given a chance to survive.

In a landmark study published a decade ago, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) suggested that under likely scenarios the world's freshwater supplies should be adequate to meet future demands from agriculture, industry and other sectors.

The World Water Council (WWC) considers the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be an endeavour of the highest importance for the achievement of water security throughout the world, which is crucial for a prosperous and equitable future for humankind.