2003: International Year of Freshwater
The United Nations General Assembly in resolution 55/196 proclaimed the year 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater. The resolution, adopted on 20 December 2000, was initiated by the Government of Tajikistan and supported by 148 other countries. It encourages Governments, the United Nations system and all other actors to take advantage of the Year to increase awareness of the importance of sustainable freshwater use, management and protection. It also calls upon governments, national and international organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to make voluntary contributions and to lend other forms of support to the Year. The International Year of Freshwater provides an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the principles of integrated water resources management. The Year will be used as a platform for promoting existing activities and spearheading new initiatives in water resources at the international, regional and national levels. The International Year of Freshwater is expected to follow up on agreements reached at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, September 2002), and should have an impact far beyond the year 2003. The publication by the United Nations system of the World Water Development Report will be a major focus of the Year's public information activities. Its first edition will be launched at the Third World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan in March 2003. The public information and media strategy will include the elaboration of information materials, brochures and media kits. Educational material for schools, videotapes and documentaries, and an official Website for the Year are also being developed, with assistance from the private sector, NGOs and bilateral donors. For further information contact: Mr Manuel Dengo and Ms Marcia Brewster Mr Andras Szöllösi-Nagy, Director |
