UN Secretary-General Urges Investment in Water and Sanitation on World Water Day

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a message on World Water Day emphasizing that access to clean water is essential for protecting the rights and health of women and girls.

Guterres warned that women and girls bear the heaviest burden in areas with inadequate water supply and sanitation services. They often use unprotected facilities, care for relatives with waterborne diseases and spend hours fetching water, which deprives them of education and opportunities.

Highlighting this year's theme, "Where water flows, equality grows," Guterres said improving access to water can play a key role in advancing gender equality.

He called on governments to increase investment in water and sanitation networks by improving service delivery, strengthening workforce capacity and ensuring sustainable financing. Guterres also urged developed countries to support these efforts through sharing technology, expertise and funding to build resilient infrastructure.

The secretary-general stressed the importance of women's participation in decision-making processes to ensure water systems meet community needs effectively.

Guterres noted that water scarcity can fuel conflict but can also strengthen cooperation and peace. He said: "Let us together turn water into a force for gender equality."