Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
at ‘Water for Peace’, an official celebration of World Water Day 2024 at UNESCO Headquarters
22 March 2024
[Video Message – As Delivered]
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we celebrate World Water Day, a time to honor the very essence of life – a resource that knows no borders, flowing freely through frontiers, and civilizations.
A drop of rain that falls in New York today may have journeyed from the mighty Nile or the picturesque Seine – vividly illustrating the interconnectedness of our ecosystems, hydrological cycles and ultimately, our world.
This year’s theme, “Leveraging Water for Peace”, is highly relevant.
The intricate complexities surrounding water – whether its abundance, scarcity, or contamination – are compounded by the relentless impacts of climate change.
These challenges amplify societal tensions, economic disparities, and political instabilities – heightening the risk of conflict and unrest.
Yet, past these shared obstacles, lie an opportunity for collective action and collaboration.
Water cooperation is not merely beneficial; it is essential for ensuring a water-secure and peaceful world.
We must urgently come together – within and among nations – to protect and conserve our most precious resource.
Our collective action will pave the way to sustainable development – accelerating progress across all Sustainable Development Goals.
From safe drinking water to food security, water cooperation is key to these aims.
And, in this endeavour, diverse partnerships that include local communities will bolster resilience to extreme weather and the changing climate.
So, ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, let us pledge to take action.
Let us harness the power of water – as a tool for peace, solidarity, and prosperity for all.
I thank you.
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