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The Institute of Hydrology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences annually commemorates World Water Day, observed on March 22 and proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993. The theme for 2026 is “Water and Gender – Voda a rodová rovnosť”, with the motto “Where water flows, equality grows.”

World Water Day aims to highlight the importance of water for life, health, the economy, and societal stability, while also drawing attention to the fact that billions of people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

This year’s theme emphasises that the water crisis is not only an environmental issue, but also a matter of justice and equality. In many parts of the world, women and girls are primarily responsible for securing water for their households. Carrying water over long distances every day takes away time that could be spent on education, paid work, or rest, and increases the risk of health problems and personal danger.

According to UN data, more than 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, and billions more lack access to adequate sanitation. Water scarcity directly impacts health, disease transmission, food security, school attendance, and economic development. Ensuring equal access to water, therefore, means not only protecting the environment but also supporting education, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

World Water Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we manage water, at home, at work, and in agriculture. Every effort to save water, protect water resources, and support sustainable solutions matters. Water is not an inexhaustible resource, and its fair distribution is one of the key challenges of the 21st century.

Let us remember that water means life, health, dignity, and equal opportunities.

Prepared by: Natália Botková, Institute of Hydrology SAS