Most of us take water for granted: we turn on the tap and there's plenty of it. Or, if we prefer, we can buy hundreds of different brands in the supermarket.

But for more than a billion people who lack access to safe drinking water, this is an inconceivable dream. And some 2.6 billion people have no access to proper sanitation. The consequences are devastating.

Nearly 2 million children die every year because of unclean water and poor sanitation - far more than the casualties from violent conflicts.

All over the world, pollution, over-consumption and poor water management are decreasing the quality and quantity of water.

Competition among nations for fresh water is already a factor in many conflicts, and has the potential to become much, much worse in the future. In fact, nearly a half-century ago, late President John F. Kennedy said that “Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two Nobel Prizes –one for peace and one for science.”

The water crisis -like many issues confronting our world - can only be fully addressed with the active participation of young people everywhere.

I am therefore very pleased to announce today a groundbreaking collaboration between the United Nations, MTV and Jay-Z to raise awareness about the world's water crisis.

All of us at the United Nations are excited about this initiative. Working with MTV and Jay-Z, we hope this campaign will motivate youth to take action both in their own lives, and in support of broad eco-friendly initiatives.

MTV's global reach and credibility can play an important role in educating and empowering its audience.

Jay-Z, through his enormous influence, will inspire young people everywhere to care, conserve, and join in the search for solutions to our water crisis.

Together, we may yet inspire a young viewer to take up President Kennedy's challenge, and claim both those Nobel Prizes.

[MTV President] Christina Norman, Jay-Z - we're really proud to have them here as partners with the UN, to get this important issue launched and to energize young people to become engaged. I see so many young people here, and I am sure they did not only come for this event, and they are going to be very active in this water campaign.

Thank you very much.