UN secretary-general António Guterres has called on women to accelerate progress toward water and sanitation for all.

Mr Guterres made the call in his message to mark World Water Day.

World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on March 22 that highlights the importance of fresh water.

The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

The UN chief said that, too often, water has been a source of conflict, but noted that it could also unite people and contribute to peace.

“This year’s UN Water Conference will bring the world together to accelerate progress on water and sanitation for all.

“Together, let’s make water a force for gender equality, and let the benefits flow to every community in the world,’’ he said.

According to him, this year’s World Water Day reminds us that safe water and sanitation are critical to supporting the rights and health of women and girls.

“When access is lacking, it’s women and girls who pay the highest toll, relying on unsafe toilets; caring for family members made sick from contaminated water; and spending hours each day retrieving water from crowded communal sources – a chore that keeps many girls home from school.

“It’s time for governments to scale up investment and strengthen national water and sanitation systems, through improved delivery capacities, workforce training and reliable financing,” said Mr Guterres.

The UN chief further said that developed countries must share the technologies, expertise and financing required to build safe, sustainable and resilient water and sanitation infrastructure.  

(NAN)