OPINION | World Water Day 2025: Beyond celebration, making water diplomacy deliver

 Five months since assuming my role as the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Water, I am more convinced that we are facing an escalating world water emergency – one that demands urgent, coordinated and transformative actions.

We see a world where water is often thought of as “too much,” “too little” or “too dirty.” In many countries, people are facing the risks of flooding – where there is “too much” water. Meanwhile, UNICEF reports that this year, half of the world’s population may be living in water-scarce areas – clear evidence that there is “too little” water. WHO also estimates that approximately one million people die each year from diarrheal diseases linked to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene – further reflection that 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 that the world is facing are not abstract or distant – they are immediate, urgent and carry profound consequences.

It calls for immediate, decisive and collective action.

The call for action: Beyond celebration, move to transformation

In this context, the annual observance of the World Water Day, designated by the United Nations on March 22, serves as more than a symbolic occasion or celebration. It is a call to action, to reflect, assess and accelerate global efforts on water. This year, as we mark over three decades of World Water Day, even more, it is imperative that we shift from discussions to actions that drive real changes.

As I observe my first World Water Day in this role, my commitment is clear: to use everyday platforms to amplify the urgency of water challenges, mobilize real, sustainable solutions and make positive changes. At the heart of these water actions is water cooperation driven by water diplomacy.

Water diplomacy: A global imperative

In an era defined by water stress, competition and climate unpredictability, water diplomacy must take center stage in global governance. Water diplomacy unites countries, sectors and stakeholders 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 impact-oriented strategies.

First, water diplomacy must be inclusive to involve all actors from all sectors. Water affects every aspect of human live – health, education, food security, to climate resilience – therefore, water is everyone’s business. A successful water strategy requires a whole-of-society approach, engaging governments, international organizations, academia, the private sector, development agencies, women-led organizations and civil society. 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 diplomacy. Water needs long-term investments, not short-term fixes. An Indonesian proverb, “Tidak ada sumur yang digali dengan satu kali cangkul (There is no well that is dug with a single stroke of a 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 investments 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.

Last, impact-driven diplomacy is delivering real solutions. Water diplomacy must go beyond policies; it must deliver concrete results. With time running out and millions of lives at stake, water solutions must be grounded, actionable, innovative and focused on those in need. Among others, efforts must be prioritized to address the water-related needs of women, children, persons with disabilities, as well as 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 no longer be a mere concept, it is a human imperative.

On this World Water Day, 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 in countries to 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 water future.

Happy World Water Day.

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Retno Marsudi is the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Water.