Observance of World Day for Water : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling the relevant provisions of chapter 18 of Agenda 21, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development,

Considering that the extent to which water resource development contributes to economic productivity and social well-being is not widely appreciated, although all social and economic activities rely heavily on the supply and quality of fresh water,

Considering also that, as populations and economic activities grow, many countries are rapidly reaching conditions of water scarcity or facing limits to economic development,

Considering further that the promotion of water conservation and sustainable management requires public awareness at local, national, regional and international levels,

1.         Decides to declare 22 March of each year World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development contained in chapter 18 of Agenda 21;

2.         Invites States to devote the Day, as appropriate in the national context, to concrete activities such as the promotion of public awareness through the publication and diffusion of documentaries and the organization of conferences, round tables, seminars and expositions related to the conservation and development of water resources and the implementation of the recommendations of Agenda 21;

3.         Invites the Secretary-General to make recommendations on ways and means by which the United Nations Secretariat could, within existing resources and without prejudice to ongoing activities, assist countries in organizing their national activities for the observance of World Day for Water;

4.         Requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary arrangements in order to ensure the success of the observance of World Day for Water by the United Nations;

5.         Also requests the Secretary-General to focus observance of World Day for Water by the United Nations on a particular theme relating to the conservation of water resources;

6.         Recommends that the Commission on Sustainable Development, in the execution of its mandate, attach priority to the implementation of chapter 18 of Agenda 21.