The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has placed a renewed emphasis on the critical issue of safe drinking water under the theme “Water Matters.”

This focus is timely, as water is not just a fundamental human right but also a key element that touches on the core aspects of life—opportunity, health, survival, and equality.

Globally, an estimated 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This staggering statistic reveals the scale of the water crisis, which affects not just developing nations but also marginalized communities within affluent countries. The crisis is exacerbated by climate change, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure, all of which contribute to making safe water a luxury rather than a basic human necessity.

Access to safe drinking water directly influences economic opportunity. When communities have reliable water sources, they are more likely to thrive economically. Agriculture, which is a primary source of livelihood in many developing countries, depends heavily on water availability.

People who are often responsible for water collection in rural areas, can spend up to six hours a day fetching water. This time could otherwise be spent on education, work, or other productive activities. By ensuring access to safe drinking water, communities are provided with the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

In urban settings, businesses and industries rely on clean water for their operations. The availability of safe water resources can attract investments and create job opportunities. Thus, water is not just a resource; it is a key driver of economic growth and development.

Water is essential for health, as it plays a critical role in preventing a wide range of diseases. Contaminated water is a breeding ground for pathogens that cause diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and other deadly diseases. The WHO reports that nearly half a million people die each year from diarrhea caused by unsafe water, poor sanitation, and lack of hygiene.

The absence of safe drinking water disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and those with compromised immune systems. Inadequate water quality is linked to malnutrition, as unsafe water contributes to diseases that hinder nutrient absorption.

Access to clean water, therefore, is not just about quenching thirst but about ensuring a healthy life. The availability of safe drinking water is also a matter of survival. In many regions, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, water scarcity leads to problem over resources, displacement, and food insecurity.

As climate change intensifies, these challenges are expected to worsen, putting millions of lives at risk. Water is critical for disaster preparedness and resilience. Communities with reliable water sources are better equipped to withstand natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes.

In some zones, control over water sources can be a matter of life and death. Ensuring access to safe drinking water in these areas is crucial for maintaining peace and stability. The UNGA’s focus on water emphasizes the need for international cooperation in managing transboundary water resources to prevent problem and promote peace.