World Water Day: Water as the Foundation of Resilience and Security
March 17, 2026 / 10:52 AM
22 March – World Water Day reminds us that access to safe drinking water and sustainable water management is one of the essential prerequisites for public health, stability, and the development of society. And although water is a fundamental human need, the world continues to face a severe water crisis.
The Global Situation: Water as a Critical Resource
According to the most recent joint WHO and UNICEF report from 2025, 1 in 4 people worldwide (2.1 billion) still lack access to safely managed drinking water, and 106 million people continue to drink directly from untreated surface sources.
At the same time, 3.4 billion people do not have access to safe sanitation, and 1.7 billion lack basic hygiene services.
These figures confirm a long-term trend of deepening inequalities — the worst impacts are seen in the least developed countries and conflict affected regions, where access to safe drinking water is 38 percentage points lower than in stable areas.
Water as a Factor of Resilience and Security
Beyond its humanitarian implications, water has a critical security dimension. According to international analytical institutions, an increasing number of conflicts and geopolitical tensions are now linked to access to water resources.
A 2025 study on water security in the context of climate change highlights that growing water scarcity can:
- worsen food insecurity,
- drive forced migration,
- increase the risk of both international and local conflicts, especially in regions with transboundary rivers.
Climate change also amplifies extremes — from long-term droughts to sudden floods. In 2025, the European Commission identified water as one of the key factors affecting infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and overall economic stability. Water-related risks today rank among the top five global risks for businesses.
Why Water Is the Foundation of Resilient Cities and Communities
Resilience — to climate shocks, economic instability, and crisis situations — is increasingly dependent on the ability to:
- retain water in the landscape,
- protect water sources from pollution,
- invest in modern infrastructure,
- manage water resources efficiently,
- connect urban and natural ecosystems.
Safe and sustainable access to water is therefore not only an environmental issue — it is a strategic pillar of stability and development.
World Water Day Offer: Free Entry to URBIS 2026
To mark World Water Day, we are offering the opportunity to obtain free entry to the URBIS 2026 fair and conference, which focuses, among other topics, on urban resilience, smart infrastructure, and sustainable water management. One example of innovative solutions in the field of water management that will be showcased at URBIS is the technology developed by the Czech company nextdrop, which focuses on the digitalization and automation of water supply systems. Using sensors and data analytics, it helps companies and municipalities reduce water losses, prevent failures, and optimize consumption. In doing so, it contributes to efficient and sustainable management of this increasingly valuable resource.
Promo code: WATERURBIS26
Valid: 22 March – 3 April 2026
