UNICEF At the UN 2023 Water Conference 

The UN 2023 Water Conference is a critical moment that shines the global spotlight on the importance of water as a unifying purpose for communities and nations. With 2 billion people worldwide still lacking access to safely managed drinking water and 3.6 billion lacking access to safely managed sanitation, universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and systems is urgently needed.

The conference presents the world with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to come together to accelerate progress towards achieving universal access to WASH, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate change, water insecurity, and humanitarian crises. UNICEF advocates for a focus on the poorest, most vulnerable, and marginalized communities; capacity-building within organizations, national systems, and communities; strengthening systems and governance; scaling up investments in WASH; and improving data quality.

UNICEF will use its participation in the conference to reinforce its support to the Water Action Agenda. UNICEF has articulated its commitments to WASH in the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022-2025, with important emphasis on systems strengthening and expanding reach to the most vulnerable children in development and humanitarian settings. We will work even more closely with national governments and partners to integrate WASH and climate change agendas into funding opportunities and programming across 130 countries. We will enhance knowledge and skills of governments and partners by bringing in cutting-edge training opportunities and South-South, North-South learning in critical areas, including climate-resilient WASH, safely managed and inclusive sanitation, water security, and nexus programming. We will continue to provide sector leadership and coordination of our response and preparedness to emergencies and humanitarian crises.

We invite you to join us in the UNICEF’s and partners’ events during the UN 2023 Water Conference, as we work together towards realizing our vision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. Let’s join forces to advocate for increased financial and political support for WASH, and to strengthen strategic partnerships.

You can find UNICEF Flyer Here.