Water Action Decade

Water Action Decade, 2018-2028: Averting a global water crisis

40 per cent shortfall in freshwater resources by 2030 coupled with a burgeoning world
population—according to current estimates—has the world careening towards a global
water crisis. Recognizing the growing challenge, the UN General Assembly launched the
Water Action Decade—officially the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable
Development”—on 22 March 2018, to mobilize action that will help transform how we
manage water.

Every Drop Counts

In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution “International Decade (2018–2028) for Action – Water for Sustainable Development” to help put a greater focus on water during ten years.

Emphasizing that water is critical for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty and hunger, UN Member States expressed deep concern over the lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene and over water related disasters, scarcity and pollution being exacerbated by urbanization, population growth, desertification, drought and climate change.

The new Decade will focus on the sustainable development and integrated management of water resources for the achievement of social, economic and environmental objectives and on the implementation and promotion of related programmes and projects, as well as on the furtherance of cooperation and partnership at all levels in order to help to achieve internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Decade will commence on World Water Day 22 March 2018, and terminate on World Water Day, 22 March 2028.

The World Economic Forum ranks the water crisis in the top 3 of global risks for the third consecutive year. Failing to respond effectively to these challenges will have devastating global effects.