“Drops of Life”

Ambassador Ulianovschi,
Ambassador Chambovey,
Mr. Friis Bach
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Water is at the centre of everything. It sustains every living thing on Earth. It is at the heart of our creation stories. It is fundamental to the search for life beyond our planet. When it is scarce, however, water is also at the centre of some of our most pressing challenges.

Today, some 663 million people live without access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion lack access to basic sanitation. Water scarcity is not only a question of thirst, but a threat to every other basic need. It stunts a farmer’s crops, kills a herder’s livestock and sickens a mother’s child. Shortages of safe water also harm development efforts and accentuate disparities of wealth. Instead of attending schools, for example, some children must labour to collect precious water. In some cases, competition for water deepens political divides and contributes to conflict and violence. Water insecurity casts ripples across peace and security, development and human rights. It is a central question for us all.

Unsustainable consumption, a changing climate and rapid urbanization will bring additional strains to water resources. Over 1.7 billion people already live in river basins where water use exceeds recharge. By 2050, at least one in four people is likely to live in a state suffering from chronic or recurring shortages of fresh water.

Addressing these challenges is ultimately a question of political will. There is enough fresh water on the planet to provide clean, accessible water for us all. The Sustainable Development Goals recognized this reality in Goal 6: “Ensure access to water and sanitation for all”. It is now up to all of us to come together to address this vital priority. Some Members States, joining forces as Parties to the UNECE-WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health, are meeting today in the Palais des Nations to help ensure safe and sustainable water consumption in their region. Thanks to the Permanent Missions of Moldova and Switzerland, as well as the UNECE Secretariat, the Parties can draw inspiration from the artwork on display. The product of young artists and people with disabilities from Moldova, this art channels the importance of water in all our lives and the need to preserve this vital heritage for future generations. I hope that this exhibit helps place water squarely at the centre of our collective efforts for peace, rights and well-being.

Thank you all very much.