Retrospection on World Water Day-2025

Water is a fundamental resource that sustains life on our planet. From oceans to rivers and lakes, water is indispensable for human well-being, agriculture, industry and ecosystems. However, despite its vital importance, sustainable water management faces numerous challenges, including scarcity, pollution and overexploitation of water resources. Water is one of the most common compounds in our universe. It is essential for life at all levels, from individual cells to entire ecosystems. At the microscopic level, living things depend on water to regulate their body temperature, maintain hydration and carry out physiological processes vital to their survival. For humans in particular, water has always played a fundamental role in their development and evolution. Early civilisations, for example, sought to settle near freshwater sources in order to take advantage of their properties for agriculture, hygiene, transport and food production. Since then, people’s daily lives have always revolved around access to water, making it a vital resource for human progress.
Water stands out, among other things, for being the most abundant resource on our planet. This chemical substance – whose molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom – covers three quarters of the earth’s surface through the oceans. However, despite its abundance, it remains a scarce commodity. According to the United Nations (UN), approximately 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water – which means that 115 million people are still forced to drink contaminated water. As the impacts of climate change increase and the world’s population grows, the need to join forces to combat this issue and conserve our most precious resource becomes ever more urgent. This is especially critical because public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity depend on the proper functioning and equitable management of the water cycle.
Water is the lifeblood of our planet, yet millions around the world—including those in developed nations—struggle to access clean, safe water. Recognising its vital importance, World Water Day is observed every year on March 22 to raise awareness about the need for sustainable water management and conservation. This global initiative, led by the United Nations, highlights a key theme each year—ranging from protecting groundwater to ensuring equitable access to clean water for all. It serves as a call to action, urging individuals and governments alike to take meaningful steps toward water conservation. Here’s everything you need to know about World Water Day 2025, including its history, significance, and how you can contribute to this crucial cause.
At the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNICED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the idea for World Water Day was first proposed. To emphasise the value of freshwater and promote the sustainable management of water resources, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22nd to be World Water Day in 1993. Since then, World Water Day has been celebrated yearly, with a different subject pertaining to sustainability and water conservation each year. A high-level event to observe the World Day for Glaciers and World Water Day 2025 is being organised by the permanent missions of Tajikistan, Barbados, Peru, Senegal, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with UNESCO, WMO, UNDESA, UN-Water, IAEA, IUCN, and UNU-INWEH. Glacier Preservation” is the theme for World Water Day 2025, highlighting the vital role glaciers play in preserving freshwater supplies worldwide and the pressing need for conservation efforts in the face of climate change.
World Water Day is important because it raises awareness of the status of the water resources around the world and encourages action to solve urgent water-related issues. World Water Day is a call to action for governments, organisations, and individuals to prioritise water conservation and management initiatives, as billions of people worldwide lack access to safe and clean water, and many places are experiencing water scarcity and pollution. With the planet facing mounting challenges from population growth, rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion, and climate change, the strain on water resources has never been greater. In this context, World Water Day holds even greater significance, serving as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for sustainable water management and conservation efforts worldwide. UN-Water publishes a flagship report on water and sanitation every year that offers comprehensive analysis and policy suggestions. The following topics will be covered in the 2025 version, “Water Towers: Mountains and Glaciers”: The part that mountain water sources and glaciers play in maintaining the world’s water supply. Glacial retreat and its cascading consequences as a result of climate change. Techniques for reducing water crises and protecting frozen water supplies.
Water is a key element in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – a plan of action for people and the planet that was adopted by all UN Member States in 2015. Within this Agenda, we are particularly concerned with Sustainable Development Goal 6(SDG 6 (“Clean Water and Sanitation”), which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In the context of recognising the vital importance of water for life, health and human well-being, as well as for the functioning of ecosystems, SDG 6 addresses key challenges such as water scarcity, water pollution and lack of access to basic sanitation. Combating this reality is the primary objective of this SDG, which calls for action by all sectors to promote responsible governance practices that ensure equitable and efficient management of water resources.
Aware of the importance of the use of water in its activities, the Iberdrola Group seeks to make a significant contribution to SDG 6, paying special attention to the efficient management of water resources and addressing the risks related to water scarcity. Among the actions carried out by the company for a more sustainable use of water, the following stand out :Continuously improve facility processes for lower consumption and impact; Implement and control the ecological flows required by the administrations in hydroelectric power   generation reservoirs; Conduct awareness-raising campaigns to achieve more efficient and responsible use of sanitary water in offices by employees.
In the context of recognising the vital importance of water for life, health and human well-being, as well as for the functioning of ecosystems, SDG 6 addresses key challenges such as water scarcity, water pollution and lack of access to basic sanitation. Combating this reality is the primary objective of this SDG, which calls for action by all sectors to promote responsible governance practices that ensure equitable and efficient management of water resources. Aware of the importance of the use of water in its activities, the Iberdrola Group seeks to make a significant contribution to SDG 6, paying special attention to the efficient management of water resources and addressing the risks related to water scarcity. On this World Water Day, we must unite to prioritize glacier conservation as a central strategy in the fight against climate change and the global water crisis.
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