Inspire Action
UN-Water coordinates the global thematic campaigns for the annual United Nations international observances on freshwater and sanitation: World Water Day and World Toilet Day. We also contribute to other engagement initiatives on key water-related issues, and communicate with audiences via UN-Water’s social media channels.
World Water Day, 22 March
World Water Day is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. Leading up to 22 March, UN-Water runs a public campaign and people all over the world hold events. The United Nations World Water Development Report is launched on World Water Day itself, focusing on the same theme.
World Toilet Day, 19 November
World Toilet Day is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. The public campaign explores the same theme as World Water Day and promotes key findings from the UN World Water Development Report.
The Water Action Decade
The Water Action Decade is accelerating efforts towards meeting water-related challenges, including limited access to safe water and sanitation, increasing pressure on water resources, and an exacerbated risk of droughts and floods.
The Water Action Agenda
The Water Action Agenda is created by all the voluntary commitments and partnerships being generated by the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework. Explore existing actions here and register your own commitment.
Previous Campaigns
Every year, UN-Water-led campaigns focus on different aspects of the water cycle and the way water and sanitation connect with other sectors. Explore the World Water Day and World Toilet Day archives or click on the links below.
2023: World Water Day - Accelerating Change | World Toilet Day - Accelerating Change
2022: World Water Day – Groundwater | World Toilet Day – Sustainable Sanitation and Groundwater
2021: World Water Day – Valuing Water | World Toilet Day – Valuing Toilets
2020: World Water Day – Water and Climate Change | World Toilet Day – Sustainable Sanitation and Climate Change
2019: World Water Day – Leaving No One Behind | World Toilet Day – Leaving No One Behind
2018: World Water Day – The Answer is in Nature | World Toilet Day – When nature calls
2018: Water Action Decade 2018-2028
2017: World Water Day – Why Waste Water? | World Toilet Day – Wastewater
2016: World Water Day – Better Water, Better Jobs | World Toilet Day – Toilets and Jobs
2015: World Water Day – Water and Sustainable Development | World Toilet Day – Toilets and Nutrition
2014: World Water Day – Water and Energy | World Toilet Day – Equality and Dignity
2013: World Water Day – Water Cooperation
2012: World Water Day – Water and Food Security
2011: World Water Day – Water for Cities
2010: World Water Day – Water Quality
2009: World Water Day – Transboundary Waters
2008: World Water Day – International Year of Sanitation
2007: World Water Day – Water Scarcity
2006: World Water Day – Water and Culture
2005: World Water Day – Water for Life 2005-2015
2004: World Water Day – Water and Disasters
2003: World Water Day – Water for the Future
2002: World Water Day – Water for Development
2001: World Water Day – Water for Health, Taking Charge
2000: World Water Day – Water for the 21st Century
1999: World Water Day – Everyone Lives Downstream
1998: World Water Day – Groundwater, the Invisible Resource
1997: World Water Day – The World’s Water, Is There Enough?
1996: World Water Day – Water for Thirsty Cities
1995: World Water Day – Women and Water
1994: World Water Day – Caring for Water Resources is Everybody’s Business