UNICEF and the European Union marked World Water Day in Iraq this year with celebrations in 23 schools across Iraq. 11,000 primary school children joined UNICEF in calling for more investments in water infrastructure, the conservation of water resources and keeping these resources free from pollution.

 

Al-Mansour Priamry school was among six schools in Baghdad, and one in each of the other 17 governorates, that celebrated World Water Day by holding events where children will learned about the importance of water conservation and the effect of pollution on water.

 

This year, International World Water Day calls attention to the impact of urbanization and the uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.

 

In Iraq, three decades of war, armed conflict, sanctions and neglect of infrastructure – combined with limited environmental awareness – have undermined Iraq’s water resource management system, which has seriously affected effective water conservation. Improvements in the management of the country’s water resources, including at the household level, will have a profound effect on Iraq’s efforts to reduce poverty and hunger (Millennium Development Goal1), child mortality (MDG 4) and ensure environmental sustainability (MDG 7).