UN 2024 Water Report Urges Sustainable Management for Global Peace and Prosperity

The United Nations' 2024 World Water Development Report, titled "Water for Prosperity and Peace," underscores the critical role of sustainable water management in fostering global stability and economic growth. Released on March 22, 2024, the report highlights how equitable access to water and sanitation services is fundamental to human rights, health, and economic development.

The report emphasizes that water, when managed sustainably and equitably, can be a source of peace and prosperity. It supports agriculture, promotes community stability, and aids in disaster risk reduction and migration management. Conversely, water scarcity, pollution, or inaccessibility can lead to food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and potential conflicts. The report calls for integrated water resource management to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and promote global stability.

The UN World Water Development Report is an annual publication by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water, providing comprehensive assessments of global freshwater resources. Each edition focuses on a specific theme; the 2024 report centers on the interconnections between water management, prosperity, and peace.

As of 2022, approximately 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water, and 3.5 billion lacked access to safely managed sanitation. These disparities are projected to worsen due to factors such as climate change, geopolitical unrest, and economic challenges.

Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of water-related events, including droughts and floods. Between 2002 and 2021, droughts affected more than 1.4 billion people globally. By 2022, roughly half of the world's population experienced severe water scarcity for at least part of the year.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by water scarcity. In many rural areas, they are primarily responsible for water collection, often spending several hours daily on this task. Limited access to water exacerbates this burden, hindering education, economic participation, and safety.

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stated, "As water stress increases, so do the risks of local or regional conflict. UNESCO’s message is clear: if we want to preserve peace, we must act swiftly not only to safeguard water resources but also to enhance regional and global cooperation in this area."

Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Chair of UN-Water, added, "Water, when managed sustainably and equitably, can be a source of peace and prosperity. It is also the literal lifeblood of agriculture, the major socio-economic driver for billions of people."

Inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities leads to the spread of waterborne diseases, affecting public health and increasing healthcare costs. Water scarcity can hinder agricultural productivity, leading to food insecurity and economic instability, particularly in regions heavily dependent on agriculture. Competition over limited water resources can exacerbate social tensions and conflicts, especially in areas where water is already scarce.

The UN World Water Development Report 2024 highlights the intricate link between water management, prosperity, and peace. It calls for urgent action to address water inequities, enhance international cooperation, and implement sustainable management practices to ensure a stable and prosperous future for all.