The European Union Wednesday called for a bold global water action to protect the global sources and supply of water.
In a joint statement to mark World Water Day and the UN Water Conference, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and EU Commissioner for the Environment and Oceans Virginijus Sinkevicius said the world needs a bold water action agenda for the health and prosperity of people and the planet.
“We cannot afford to be complacent, and we are ready to do our part to create a water resilient world,” they said.
The EU statement warned that now more than ever, the world is facing a water stress crisis due to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
It pointed out that 2022 saw the worst drought in 500 years and this trend is expected to continue. Two billion people in the world have no access to safe water, while almost half of the global population – 3.6 billion people – lack safe sanitation.
Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, it noted.
The EU continues to support universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services through its development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, it added.
Source: Kuwait News Agency