Urgent action needed to deal with water emergency

Photo: Filepic/The Star

FIVE months since I began my role as the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Water, I am more convinced than ever that we are facing an escalating emergency for we live in a world where water is often “too much”, “too little” or “too dirty”.

In many countries people are facing the risks of flooding when water is “too much”. Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund reports that this year, half of the world’s population may be living in water-scarce areas – clear evidence that water is also becoming “too little”. The World Health Organisation also estimates that approximately one million people die each year from diarrhoeal diseases linked to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene, reflecting how the world’s water is “too dirty”.

This state of the world’s water is beyond a matter of data; it is a fundamental determinant of human survival, public health and environmental stability.

These water challenges are not abstract or distant – they are immediate, urgent and carry profound consequences. In this context, the annual observance of World Water Day on March 22 is a call to action, to reflect, assess and accelerate global efforts to supply water.

In an era defined by water stress and competition as well as climate unpredictability, water diplomacy must take centre stage in global governance. Water diplomacy can unite countries, sectors and stake-holders in advancing the global water agenda, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all).

Advancing the water agenda requires diplomacy that is underpinned by three key principles: inclusivity, sustainability and impactful action.

First, water diplomacy must be inclusive enough to involve all actors from all sectors. Water affects every aspect of human life – health, education, food security, climate resilience etc – therefore water is everyone’s business. A successful water strategy requires a whole of society approach, engaging governments, international organisations, academia, private sector, development agencies, women-led organisations, civil society and all other actors. Water diplomacy must be built upon inclusive collaboration, ensuring that everyone is on board and no one is left behind.

Second, sustainability is at the core of effective water diplo-macy. Water needs long-term investments, not short-term fixes. The Indonesian proverb, “Tidak ada sumur yang digali dengan satu kali cangkul” (There is no well that is dug with a single stroke of the hoe) is the perfect reflection of this principle.

Ensuring water sustainability demands long-term commitment, financing and governance. Water action today must be seen as an investment for the future of water. Water diplomacy must guarantee that water initiatives are maintained and strengthened over time through global partnership, innovation and resilient infrastructure.

Lastly, water diplomacy must be impact-driven to create real solutions that go beyond policies – it must deliver concrete results. With time running out and millions of lives at stake, water solutions must be grounded and down to earth, they must be actionable, foster innovation and focus on those in need.

Among others, efforts must be prioritised to address the water-related needs of groups that are vulnerable in all countries: women, children, persons with disabilities and people living in poverty and rural areas.

Whether it is providing water access for the poor or building climate-resilient infrastructure in coastal regions, water diplomacy must translate into tangible outcomes. Water diplomacy must not be a mere concept, it is a human-imperative.

On World Water Day today, I share my vision for a world where water diplomacy implementation becomes key to unlocking solutions to our water challenges.

And within this vision, I have faith countries will continue championing inclusive, sustainable and impact-oriented water diplomacy. Through commitment and leadership, water can be a catalyst for global cooperation and sustainable development. Water diplomacy is a necessity for our sustainable water future.

Happy World Water Day.

RETNO LP MARSUDI

UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Water

The letter writer was Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs minister from 2014 to 2024; she oversaw the conduct of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali 2024.