Water for Peace: What does it mean

Mar 20 / Bennie
The theme of World Water Day 2024 is ‘Water for Peace’. A fitting theme for the times we live in, but what does it really mean? Like water itself, the theme 'Water for Peace' will mean something different for every person.

In that light, we asked some of the #SurplusWater2025 content contributors to tell us what 'Water for Peace' means to them. This is the first article in a three-part series, each profoundly personal, sharing what Water for Peace means to them. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
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Water for Peace: Being Mindful

Did you know? This coming Friday, March 22nd, is UN World Water Day. I'll admit, I'm a bit surprised! Even though I've been involved with a water conservation company for almost 10 years and completely share their vision and passion, I never knew about World Water Day. It's been held annually since 1993! For those who already knew, forgive my ignorance. For those who didn't, now you do! This year's theme is "Water for Peace."

We need three basic things to survive:

  • Air to breathe. It's all around us, free and readily available. We can't control it, but we can pollute it.
  • Land to live on and grow food. Land ownership has caused conflicts and wars, but borders can be defined and secured.
  • Water. This is the most complex. Rain isn't evenly distributed, rivers flow across borders, and groundwater doesn't respect surface boundaries. Water is a shared resource, making it a challenge.
"More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water. As climate change impacts increase, and populations grow, there is an urgent need, within and between countries, to unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource." United Nations, World Water Day
Can you see how necessary the theme WATER FOR PEACE is? The saying that World War III will be fought over water may be an exaggeration, but water MUST be a reason for peace. After all, everyone needs water to survive.

So, where do we start?

We can start by being aware of the sensitivity around water and, secondly, put ourselves in other’s shoes and realise that they need water just as much as we do.
Do your part and you will be contributing to the solution of the problems of this world.

- Bennie

In case you missed it, you can read the other articles here:
"Water for Peace: Inner Sanctum & Inner-City"
"Water for Peace: I have time"
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World Water Day 22 March 2024

About the United Nations World Water Day 2024

Creating a positive ripple effect

"The theme of World Water Day 2024 is ‘Water for Peace’.

When we cooperate on water, we create a positive ripple effect – fostering harmony, generating prosperity and building resilience to shared challenges.

We must act upon the realisation that water is not only a resource to be used and competed over – it is a human right, intrinsic to every aspect of life.

This World Water Day, we all need to unite around water and use water for peace, laying the foundations of a more stable and prosperous tomorrow."
Visit the UN World Water Day 2024 website to see how you can help raise awareness:
UN World Water Day 2024
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