Today is World Water Day. An annual event which is focused on raising awareness around universal clean, fresh water issues and sustainable water solutions.
This year marks the 23rd World Water Day since the first recorded event in 1993. It was proposed in the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and has become a popular event around the world, particularly in highlighting conditions of hygiene and sanitation.
Each year has a specific focus on a different subject. Last year was held under the theme of ‘water and sustainable development’ and this years focus is on ‘water and jobs’. This theme is meant to draw focus on the correlation between better water conditions and higher employment, and give recognition to the people that work with water.
1.5 billion people, half the world’s workers, work in water-related industries and nearly all jobs rely on its safe delivery. Whilst also recognising the areas for improvement with water conditions around the world, this year’s World Water Day will stand as an opportunity to recognise these people who work tirelessly to improve these conditions.
Today a number of charities such as Planet Water, Pump Aid and Wateraid are all holding special drives to get donations, and a number of other organisations around the world will be celebrating the event in a variety of different ways.
There is always more that can be done with water, hygiene and sanitation conditions around the world, and today is a great example of the unity and strength that can come from universal attention focused on a global cause.
However you choose to spend your World Water Day, whether it is donating, spreading awareness using the hashtag #worldwaterday or making your facebook or twitter profile blue, you can take part in the global effort.