23 March 2023 - The halls of UN Headquarters in New York are buzzing with energy and resolve as water champions, world leaders, advocates and changemakers are gathering for the UN 2023 Water Conference on 22-24 March 2023. Uniting for water action, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the course and resolve the global water crisis.
“Water is [our] lifeblood, and if [our] lifeblood is in crisis, that means our survival is in big trouble,” said Li Junhua, UN 2023 Water Conference Secretary-General and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, as he joined a fireside chat in the SDG Media Zone on 22 March, moderated by Jessica Lily Jenner, Partnerships Lead at DEVEX.
Discussing the current dire global situation, Mr. Li stressed that, based on UN DESA’s research, if the current rate of progress on SDG 6 continues, 1.6 billion people will still lack access to safely managed drinking water by 2030. He also noted that more than two-thirds of global crises are linked to water, either through floods or droughts. At the same time, he pointed to the fact that water connects with all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), giving the example of how water can help reduce poverty and hunger.
Mr. Li also shared what he hoped the legacy of the Conference would be. He stressed that we already have roadmaps, but that we now need more action. “Let’s shift from discussions [and]papers, to action, at the global level, regional level, national level and community level,” he said.
Mr. Li also highlighted the many voluntary commitments already registered, with more than 570 commitments made so far. “A good commitment is a commitment to action, not just words,” Mr. Li said. “Implementation speaks louder than anything else”.
The SDG Media Zone is taking place on the side lines of the plenary sessions, special events and high-level events of the Conference, providing a stage for government representatives, UN leaders, influencers, and industry leaders, to discuss the situation and to share their innovative solutions to address the dire water challenges.
The schedule of the SDG Media Zone from 22 to 24 March is available here and a daily session will also spotlight the Water Action Agenda commitments. Watch the complete session in the SDG Media Zone .