Unesco-IHE institute for water education celebrates World Water Day
At Unesco-IHE water education institute in Delft, the Netherlands, World Water Day 2016 was celebrated by students and staff posing with statements about what water means to them.
World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
In 2016, the theme is Water and Jobs, focusing on the power that water and jobs have to transform people’s lives.
The 2016-edtion of the World Water Development Report (WWDR) on the relation between water and jobs.
Water is work
"The fact is that water is work." These words from Guy Ryder, the ILO Director-General and Chair of UN-Water, encapsulate the theme of World Water Day 2016. He spoke at the official UN celebration ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, this morning.
The celebration saw the launch of UN's 2016-edition of the World Water Development Report that links to this year's water theme.
The WWDR 2016-report shows that three out of four of the jobs worldwide are water-dependent.
It shows that water affects workers’ lives through its presence, its quality and its quantity, and how investments in water and sanitation can create paid and decent jobs and thereby contribute to a greener economy.
The report was presented in Geneva by WWAP coordinator Stefan Uhlenbrook, former interim director and professor at Unesco-IHE.
According to director-general Irina Bokova of Unesco investment in water infrastructure is good for economic development and job creation.
Engine for economic growth
Director-general Irina Bokova of Unesco about Water and Jobs. "Water is vital for agriculture, industry, transport and the production of energy and is an engine for economic growth. It generates and sustains jobs worldwide, but attaining the development goals will not just be a matter of adequate resources of water as a raw material."
According to Bokova the evidence shows that investing in water infrastructure and services can have high returns for both economic development and job creation. "It is important that these investments are planned with all relevant sectors, including agriculture, energy and industry, to ensure they produce the best outcomes for all."
Promoting quality jobs
On the occasion of World Water Day Bokova urged governments, civil society and private sector to look ahead. "The challenges we face from climate change, water scarcity and the displacement of low-skilled workers are enormous. But promoting high-quality jobs, while preserving the environment and ensuring sustainable water management will help to eradicate poverty, promote growth and craft a future of decent work for all."
This news item was originally published on the website of Unesco-IHE.
Read also on this website
● World Water Day 2016: Availability and management of water links to quality jobs, 21 March 2016
● 150 Graduates receive Master of Science diploma at Unesco-IHE, the Netherlands, 29 April 2014
● World water day 2014: Why does energy outperform water?, 21 March 2014
● World Water Day – The Hague: Global water community endeavors cooperation on food, energy and health issues, 23 March 2013
More information
World water day 2016: water and jobs
www.unwater.org/worldwaterday
UN Water
to download the WWDR2016 report (as a pdf)
Unesco-IHE
Delft, the Netherlands
+31 15 212 29 21
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