Every year, the United Nations World Water Day occurs on March 22nd. This year’s event is titled “Water and Energy”. Water and energy are closely interlinked and interdependent. Energy generation and transmission requires utilization of water resources, particularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources. Conversely, about 8% of the global energy generation is used for pumping, treating and transporting water to various consumers.
In 2014, the UN System – working closely with its Member States and other relevant stakeholders – is collectively bringing its attention to the water-energy nexus, particularly addressing inequities, especially for the ‘bottom billion’ who live in slums and impoverished rural areas and survive without access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, sufficient food and energy services. It also aims to facilitate the development of policies and crosscutting frameworks that bridge ministries and sectors, leading the way to energy security and sustainable water use in a green economy. Particular attention will be paid to identifying best practices that can make a water- and energy-efficient ‘Green Industry’ a reality.
Objectives of World Water Day in 2014
– Selling fuel wood at wood market in Cambodia ©FAO/J. Koelen
– Geothermal Power Station in Þingvellir, Iceland – Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Scott Ableman
– Raise awareness of the inter-linkages between water and energy
– Contribute to a policy dialogue that focuses on the broad range of issues related to the nexus of water and energy
– Demonstrate, through case studies, to decision makers in the energy sector and the water domain that integrated approaches and solutions to water-energy issues can achieve greater economic and social impacts
– Identify policy formulation and capacity development issues in which the UN system, in particular UN-Water and UN-Energy, can offer significant contributions
– Identify key stakeholders in the water-energy nexus and actively engaging them in further developing the water-energy linkages
– Contribute as relevant to the post-2015 discussions in relation to the water-energy nexus.
World Water Day 2014 Key Messages
1. Water requires energy and energy requires water
2. Supplies are limited and demand is increasing
3. Saving energy is saving water. Saving water is saving energy
4. The “bottom billion” urgently needs access to both water and sanitation services, and electricity
5. Improving water and energy efficiency is imperative as are coordinated, coherent and concerted policies
World Water Day 2014 Event in Nigeria
1. WATER, POWER AND THE CHILD
Exact location: 10,OROKI STREET ORILE IGANMU LAGOS, Nigeria
Event date (from): 17 Mar 2014 to 22 Mar 2014
United Nations World Water Day 2014
