ICPDR celebrates World Water Day 2024 and 30 years of the Danube River Protection Convention
(Press Release) VIENNA, 22 March 2024 – The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) is joining the global community in observing World Water Day on March 22nd 2024, and commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC). This year's theme, "Water for Peace," underscores the critical role of water management in fostering peace, supporting communities, and sustaining our environment, reflecting three decades of transboundary cooperation under the Convention.
As an organization committed to ensuring the sustainable and equitable use of waters in the Danube River Basin, the ICPDR is deeply aligned with this year's theme. We celebrate 30 years of the DRPC, the major legal framework for cooperation and transboundary water management in the Danube River Basin, which has been the foundation of our efforts to unite countries, communities, and individuals in a shared mission to protect and manage our water resources wisely.
A Message from the ICPDR 2024 President, Vladimír Novák:
"In the spirit of 'Water for Peace,' and commemorating 30 years of the DRPC, we at the ICPDR are dedicated to promoting cooperation across transboundary borders to ensure the quality, equitable and sustainable use of the water resources of our Danube River Basin. By working together, we not only enhance the health of our shared waters but also contribute to the peace and security of our region."
Echoing the Words of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres:
"Cooperating to safeguard water can power and sustain peace. Water stewardship can strengthen multilateralism and ties between communities, and build resilience to climate disasters. It can also drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – which are the foundation of peaceful societies – including by improving health, reducing poverty and inequality, and boosting food and water security."
In line with the theme of water for peace, the ICPDR continues the collaboration, both within the Danube River Basin and with our international partners. Our efforts are guided by the principles of the DRPC, emphasizing the importance of balancing human needs with the health of aquatic ecosystems.
This World Water Day, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the Danube and its tributaries. We recognize the essential role of water in maintaining peace, supporting ecosystems and ecosystem services, and enabling prosperity.
The ICPDR stands ready to lead by example, fostering initiatives that protect water resources, promote peace, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
As we move forward, the words of our President, Vladimír Novák, and the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, remind us of the critical role water plays in peace and sustainability. Join us in this crucial mission, as we work together to make water a force for peace today, tomorrow, and for future generations.
For more information on the ICPDR's work and the Danube River Basin, please visit our website section dedicated to the ICPDR framework.
Contact
Hélène Masliah-Gilkarov
Public Participation & Communication
ICPDR Secretariat at UNOV
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-4373
Fax: (+43-1) 26060-5895
Mobile: (+43 676) 845 200 220
E-mail: helene.masliah-gilkarov[at] icpdr.org
Web: www.icpdr.org
