Two realities – one where no one goes thirsty; other where billions don’t have water to drink
Alongside the Secretary-General, Mahmoud Saikal, the Vice-President of the General Assembly (speaking on behalf of Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák) said that while many in the world have adequate safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, billions on the same planet lack even a basic toilet and are forced to drink water that can make them ill.
“This is the reality we all have to face. It is not pretty. But, it should not come as a surprise. We have known about it for a while,” he said.
“Luckily, we still have enough time to do something about it,” added Mr. Saikal, calling on for action on everyone’s part to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the International Decade.
■ Learn more about the International Decade here: http://www.wateractiondecade.org/
Water problems? The answer is in nature
The launch of the International Decade coincides with the World Water Day, marked annually on 22 March, to focus attention to importance of and challenges facing freshwater availability.
Commemorated this year with the theme, Nature for Water, the Day urges people to explore nature-based solutions to contemporary water problems.
Some of these could include planting trees and increasing forest cover, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands to rebalance the water cycle.
