On March 22, 2014 we will celebrate World Water Day, as a means of focusing awareness on the importance of, and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The first World Water Day was designated by the United Nations on March 22, 1993 and has been recognized each year since.

Each year focuses on a specific issue or theme.  This year the theme is Water & Energy.  The main objectives are as follows:

• Raise awareness on the close link between water and energy production.
• Reach decision makers by presenting case studies on the importance of water-energy issues that greatly impact social and economic development.
• Identify and demonstrate the water-energy nexus to key stakeholders who may influence UN-Water and UN-Energy policy formulation.

One main priority has always been to address the inequities of producing clean, fresh drinking water, proper sanitation methods and adequate energy services to millions of people living in rural, impoverished areas all around the world.

This World Water Day, by highlighting the importance of the water-energy connection, the aim is to put politics aside and come together for the sake of the greater good.  Let us do our part to help those who are underprivileged and that do not have the resources to attain clean drinking water or the energy to produce it.  This is a global responsibility that each of us must carry.  This also includes practicing water conservation techniques on a regular basis, becoming more educated on water-related issues and becoming connected with a water charity that aims at ending this growing concern.

For more information on World Water Day and to find out what you can do to assist efforts, please visit UN World Water Day 2014.