FAQs

What is the date of the World Water Day?

World Water Day is one of the international days declared by the UN, on 22 March, as declared by the UN General Assembly in 1992. The celebrations cannot always take place on 22 March. In 2008 the UN celebration in Geneva is on 20 March. In the Islamic world celebrations in 2008 have to be shifted because of a religious holiday.

Who is organizing the World Water Day?

Officially the UN Water group. This group decides each year the specific theme and which UN agency will take the lead to organise an event on 22 March, including a website with resource materials. Many organisations in the world organise local WWD events and other activities.That is also where the action for improving water, sanitation and hygiene provision has to take place.

Who decides the theme each year?

Officially the UN Water group. This group decides on a specific theme each year.

Why is IRC maintaining this web site?

On request of the earlier UN Taskforce on water and sanitation IRC is maintaining a web page and WWD mailing list for the sector since 1997. In 2001 WHO contracted us to develop a site for Water and Health with the possibility to add events online. Since that time we are maintaining the site and keeping the previous years accessible in the archive as part of our global advocacy work. In 2007 we had 320,000 page views on the web site.

Dick de Jong (Moderator)