Halving Proportion of People without Sustainable Access to Safe Drinking Water

Major Achievement, but Much More to Do, Says Secretary-General in Message

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the Sixth World Water Forum, in Marseille, France, today, 12 March:

Je tiens à remercier la ville de Marseille d’accueillir le sixième Forum mondial de l’eau.  C’est une occasion importante de trouver des solutions qui nous aideront à atteindre les objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement et, plus particulièrement, ceux qui ont trait à l’eau et à l’assainissement.

Last week, we announced that the world has met the target of reducing by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water.  This is a major achievement.  Other MDG [Millennium Development Goals] successes — from poverty and education to reducing disease — show that our development partnerships are working.

This Forum can help us to sustain momentum as we prepare for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.  Water issues and their links with energy and food will figure high on the agenda at Rio+20.

We have much to do before all people have the access to the water and sanitation they need to lead lives of dignity and well-being.  The United Nations system is an essential partner in this quest.  We look forward to working with you to implement the solutions you will discuss in Marseille.

The 2015 MDG deadline is fast approaching.  We must be united and steadfast in our resolve to accelerate progress.  This is my commitment to build the future we want.  I wish you a successful meeting.  Je souhaite plein succès à cette réunion.

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For information media • not an official record