On the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan, on 22 December 2016 the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus the resolution A/RES/71/222 that proclaims the period from 2018 to 2028 the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”. 177 UN member‐states acted as co‐authors of this resolution. The new International Decade will commence on World Water Day, 22 March 2018, and terminate on World Water Day, 22 March 2028.
The International Decade for Action” Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 is intended to strengthen and expand the progress made during the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”, 2005-2015, create a solid platform for consolidating efforts to further efficient water resources management and become an impetus for the rapid launch of the implementation of water-related Sustainable Development Goals.
The objectives of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028 are greater focus on sustainable development and integrated water resources management for the achievement of socio-economic and environmental objectives and on the implementation and promotion of related programmes and projects, as well as on the furtherance of cooperation and partnership at all levels in order to help to achieve internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The International Decade will be:
Enhance coordination and inclusiveness of actors involved in water resources management at all levels;
Encourage knowledge generation and dissemination, facilitation of access to this knowledge, development of new information relevant to the water-related SDGs;
Promotion of efficient water usage at all levels, taking into account the water, food, energy, environment nexus, including in the implementation of national development programs.
Establish networks and promote partnership and by different actors to implement the water-related SDGs and targets.
Ensure full participation of all stakeholders in the implementation of the Decade at all levels.