Water is at the core of sustainable development, and water resources and the range of services they provide are integral to poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. From food and energy security to human and environmental health, water contributes to improvements in social well-being and inclusive growth, affecting the livelihoods of billions. Yet, this access to water is unequal across the world – and sharply so for marginalized groups – due to numerous socioeconomic and geographic factors.

World Water Day is annually celebrated on 22 March to recognize the absolute necessity of water for human life and progress, and the theme this year is intended to address the issue of equitable access to water: “Leaving no one behind”. This is also the central aim of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: along with sustainable development, everyone must benefit. The theme emphasizes the need to listen to and address the concerns and needs of people who have been marginalized or ignored. According to a 2015 WHO report, over 663 million people do not have access to safe water supply close to home, instead spending countless hours procuring water and coping with the health impacts of using contaminated water. World Water Day 2019 is therefore a reminder of global water-related issues and the millions who are plagued by them. Importantly, it is also a celebration of the efforts to alleviate these issues.

ICIMOD will also be celebrating World Water Day 2019 to reaffirm its own commitment to ensuring year-round, universal, and affordable access to safe drinking water and water for sanitation and productive purposes in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. The following write-ups and activities are targeted at spotlighting this year’s theme:

• Message from the Director General.
• Participation in a series of activities organized as part of the Nepal National Water and Weather Week by Small Earth Nepal and Nepal Academy for Science and Technology (NAST).
• Support for and participation in the celebration programmes organized by ICIMOD’s partners and country offices.