International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2026; March 25th.

FORUM: "Justice in Action: Confronting History, Advancing Dignity, Empowering Futures" International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade 2026. The transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans was one of the most horrific crimes in human history, brutally dehumanizing more than 15 million men, women and children over 400 years. It robbed individuals of their lives and liberty, and in the centuries that followed, systems of exclusion and discrimination stripped communities of their ability to thrive and prosper. The fallacy of white supremacy was justified by – and entrenched in – institutions, cultures, and legal systems. Acknowledging the painful legacy of the trade in enslaved Africans is essential to repairing these broken systems. Born out of past harms and crimes against humanity, systemic racism and structural injustices must be transformed to heal the wounds of enslavement and build a future of dignity and justice for Afro-descendant communities across the globe. The transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans represents one of the most horrific and traumatizing eras in human history. This year’s theme, Justice in Action, calls on the global community to confront this history with honesty and to acknowledge its enduring impact. Advancing dignity requires transforming the systems that perpetuate discrimination and ensuring that the rights of Afro‑descendant communities are protected and upheld. Empowering futures requires expanding opportunities, strengthening participation, and supporting measures that promote repair, inclusion and justice. By translating remembrance into action, we can help build a world where every person can live in equality, dignity and hope. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #Rememberslavery!

EVENTS: On Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EDT, we will commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2026 at United Nations HQ. The General Assembly will convene its annual plenary meeting wit the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly, Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock; the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, a keynote address from Barbados Poet Laureate Ms. Esther Phillips; Toronto's first Youth Poet Laureate Ms. Shahaddah Jack; regional groups and representatives of Member States. The commemoration is a time for reflection. This year marks the 219th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA). It’s a time to reflect on a shameful era. On a brutal system of human trafficking which was built on the myth of white supremacy. Today we remember those who suffered and resisted oppression and we honor them by fighting for equality and justice. Register to participate and watch the livestream!

Statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (25 March 2026). 

"Today we commemorate the victims of a staggering crime: Millions of people stolen from their families and communities in Africa. Trafficked across the Atlantic. And — if they survived the journey — enslaved in the Americas. Millions more were born into bondage, brutally exploited for their labour, and denied their basic humanity. We honour their quiet resilience and courageous acts of open resistance. This global order prevailed for over 400 years — and haunts our world even now. In systems and institutions shaped and enriched by chattel slavery. In social and economic inequalities rooted in past injustices. And in biases that permeate our culture and impact us all. On this International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, we are called to confront these legacies. By rejecting the false narrative of racial difference and the ugly lie of white supremacy. By dismantling racism — online, in the media, in schools, at work, in politics, and within ourselves. And by working for truth, justice, and repair. I welcome the initial steps by some governments to address the consequences of slavery. But far bolder actions — by many more Member States — are needed. Including commitments to respect African countries’ ownership of their own resources. And steps to ensure their equal participation and influence in the global financial architecture and the UN Security Council. Together, let us commit to a world where all people live and thrive in dignity"

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

PLENARY MEETINGS: At UNHQ, On Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at 15:00 a.m. EDT, the General Assembly will convene its annual plenary meeting to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The High-Level Special Event on Reparatory Justice for the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and the Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans. The participantswill discuss reparatory justice for the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans. Watch the livestream!

At UNHQ, On Tuesday, 24 March 2026 starting at 16:00 PM EST. at UNHQ, a Press briefing by AU / Africa Group, led by the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the U.N. was organized on the proposed resolution to be tabled and considered in the GA on Wednesday, 25th March during the GA commemorative event marking the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2026. Watch the press briefing!

PUBLICATIONS: The American Anti-Slavery Society was an abolitionist organization that played a crucial role in spreading abolitionism in the North before the Civil War. In December 1833, delegates from state and local abolition societies gathered in Philadelphia to found an agency to promote a national approach to ending slavery. William Lloyd Garrison, Theodore D. Weld, and the Tappan brothers, Lewis and Arthur, were among the leading figures in this venture. Central to its mission was the doctrine of "immediate emancipation," as opposed to the gradualism espoused by some anti-slavery societies. Looking to spread its ideas across the nation, the society subsidized the printing and distribution of abolitionist tracts, pamphlets, and broadsides, and created a network of agents to carry the message throughout the United States. Read the full publication!

PRESS CONFERENCE: Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity.

Ahead of landmark UN Resolution on the enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity, Ghanaian Ambassador Samuel Yao Kumah said the resolution “does not rank suffering, nor does it attempt to create a legal hierarchy of crimes against humanity.” Speaking on behalf of the African Group at the United Nations, Kumah told reporters in New York that the initiative “did not arise suddenly, nor is it the undertaking of a single mission,” but instead “is the result of a clear continental mandate, grounded in decision, taken at the highest political level of Africa's multilateral institution, the African Union.” He noted that during the 2025 General Assembly general debate, the President of Ghana, John Mahama “announced the country's intention to lead the tabling of a draft resolution on the declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as Gravest Crime Against Humanity.” The resolution, Kumah said, “advances a simple but profound proposition. That trafficking and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans was a world breaking event. The moment when humanity itself was reorganised into a global hierarchy of race, labour, property and capital and helped construct the global economic and racial order whose legacies continue to shape our world today. “ He acknowledged “the concern has been raised that describing the trafficking and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity creates a hierarchy among historical atrocities” and said, “the interpretation is misplaced,” as “every atrocity, genocide, apartheid, colonial violence and other crimes recognised under international law remains unequivocally condemned,” and the resolution “simply identifies the historical mechanism that fundamentally restructured the world.” The Ambassador said, “supporting this resolution is not an act of accusation, it is an act of recognition. It is an affirmation that the international community possesses the moral confidence to name historical realities and learn from them.” He said, “the trafficking and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans shaped the world we have inherited. Acknowledging this truth honours not only the memory of those who suffered, but also the universal principles of dignity, equality and justice upon which this organisation was founded.” Earlier today, Secretary-General António Guterres addressed a General Assembly event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and said that many of the solutions to confront racial discrimination are being weakened as some governments dismantle anti-racist policies and practices and leaders try to rewrite history.

LIVESTREAM: High-Level Special Event on Reparatory Justice for the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and the Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans
High-level special event, taking place a day before the annual commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to discuss reparatory justice for the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans

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Meetings & Events

General Assembly: 75th plenary meeting, 80th session - International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Commemorative meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Held pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/RES/73/345 of 16 September 2019. The General Assembly will convene its annual plenary meeting to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Speakers will include the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly, Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock; the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres; a keynote speaker and a youth speaker; regional groups and representatives of Member States.

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2026; March 25th.

FORUM: “The safety of everyone who works with the United Nations is our top priority.” International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2026. During this day, we invite you to draw attention to the risks faced by United Nations staff and peacekeepers and their colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. Join the conversation by following the hashtags #25march; #UNStaffDay.

EVENTS: On Wednesday, March 25th, a webinar to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2026 will be held at UNHQ. On this International Day, let us stand in solidarity with all detained colleagues and pledge to protect all United Nations personnel as they work to advance peace and human rights, protect the planet and build a better future for all. The observance is organized by the Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service and the United Nations Staff Union. Register to participate!

STATEMENTS: “Today is a solemn reminder of the grave risks facing our staff members as they carry out their vital work under the United Nations flag.” Read the full Statement from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2026; March 25th.

EXHIBITS: Explore the virtual exhibit of the UN Staff at work.

World Tuberculosis Day 2026; March 24th.

FORUM: "Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries. Powered by people" World Tuberculosis Day 2026. The theme is a bold call to action and a message of hope, affirming that it is possible to get back on track and turn the tide on the TB epidemic, even in a challenging global environment. With decisive country leadership, increased domestic and international investment, rapid uptake of new WHO recommendations and innovations, accelerated action, and strong multi-sectoral collaboration, ending TB is not just aspirational - it is achievable. WHO is calling for urgent action to: accelerate the roll out of diagnostic technologies that can be used near the point-of-care and other innovations as part of a comprehensive testing network; To strengthen people‑centred TB care with meaningful community leadership and continuous engagement; To build resilient health systems to safeguard health security; To tackle the social and economic drivers of TB through multisectoral action; and To protect essential TB services amid global crises and funding constraints. While new diagnostic tools represent a critical step forward, ending TB will require sustained investment in research and innovation. Global funding for TB research remains far below the estimated annual need of around US$ 5 billion, leaving major gaps in the development of new diagnostics, medicines and vaccines needed to end the epidemic. WHO is working with partners to accelerate progress through initiatives such as the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council, launched to fast-track the development and equitable access to new TB vaccines by aligning governments, researchers, funders and industry around shared priorities and coordinated investment. As countries mark World TB Day 2026, The WHO urges governments and partners to prioritize TB as a central pillar of health security and universal health coverage. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldTBDay, #24March, #YesWecanEndTB, #Tuberculosis.

EVENTS: On Monday; March 24th; The World Health Organization (WHO) will commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day 2026 to urge countries to ramp up progress; Under the theme ''Yes! We Can End TB! Led by countries. Powered by people'' the campaign highlights a rallying cry for urgency, and accountability and hope. This year is critical, with opportunities to raise visibility and political commitment to end TB. On the occasion on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, March 24th, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for an urgent investment of resources to protect and maintain tuberculosis (TB) care and support services for people in need across regions and countries. TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, responsible for over 1 million deaths annually bringing devastating impacts on families and communities. The Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 79 million lives since 2000. However, the drastic and abrupt cuts in global health funding happening now are threatening to reverse these gains. Rising drug resistance especially across Europe and the ongoing conflicts across the Middle-East, Africa and Eastern Europe, are further exacerbating the situation for the most vulnerable. Register to participate!

ONLINE TALK SHOW: On March 18th, 2026; From 13:30 to 16:00 CET; an Online Talk Show entitled ‘‘Yes we can end TB.’’ was held. Watch the talk show!

WEBINAR: A joint webinar of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), dedicated to World Tuberculosis Day 2026. Campaign theme: “Yes! We Can End TB!: Led by countries, powered by people!” The event presented key findings, trends, and epidemiological signals based on data from the joint report “Tuberculosis surveillance and monitoring in Europe 2026”. It also highlighted the high burden of MDR/RR‑TB, gaps in treatment, and the scale-up of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Get the agenda programme and Watch the livestream!

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RESEARCH: A New Tuberculosis Strategy Shows Promise from Science | AAAS. Now a group in the Republic of Korea reports what they believe could be a potent new method of fighting TB: a combination of cheap drugs and a DNA vaccine. Learn more.

PUBLICATIONS: Funding: threat to global TB efforts - Early reports to WHO reveal that severe disruptions in the TB response are seen across several of the highest-burden countries following the funding cuts. Countries in the WHO African Region are experiencing the greatest impact, followed by countries in the WHO South-East Asian and Western Pacific Regions. Twenty seven countries are facing crippling breakdowns in their TB response, with devastating consequences, such as: Human resource shortages undermining service delivery; Diagnostic services severely disrupted, delaying detection and treatment; Data and surveillance systems collapsing, compromising disease tracking and management; Community engagement efforts, including active case finding, screening, and contact tracing, deteriorating, leading to delayed diagnoses and increased transmission risks. Nine countries report failing TB drug procurement and supply chains, jeopardizing treatment continuity and patient outcomes. The 2025 funding cuts further exacerbate an already existing underfunding for global TB response. In 2023, only 26% of the US$ 22 billion annually needed for TB prevention and care was available, leaving a massive shortfall. TB research is in crisis, receiving just one-fifth of the US$ 5 billion annual target in 2022 – severely delaying advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. WHO is leading efforts to accelerate TB vaccine development through the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council, but progress remains at risk without urgent financial commitments.
New guidance on TB and lung health: As one of the solutions to combating growing resource constraints, WHO is driving the integration of TB and lung health within primary healthcare as a sustainable solution. New technical guidance released by WHO outlines critical actions across the care continuum, focusing on prevention, early detection of TB and comorbidities, optimized management at first contact and improved patient follow-up. The guidance also promotes better use of existing health systems, addressing shared risk factors such as overcrowding, tobacco, undernutrition and environmental pollutants. By tackling TB determinants alongside communicable and non-communicable diseases, lung conditions, and disabilities through a unified strategy, WHO aims to reinforce the global response and drive lasting improvements in health outcomes. On World TB Day, WHO calls on everyone: individuals, communities, societies, donors and governments, to do their part to end TB. Without concerted action from all stakeholders, the TB response will be decimated, reversing decades of progress, putting millions of lives at risk and threatening health security. TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, responsible for over 1 million deaths annually bringing devastating impacts on families and communities.

STATEMENTS:

Statement by Dr. Tedros; Director of the World Health Organization on behalf the World TB Day 2026; March 24th.


Statement delivered by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, Regional Director, WHO Regional Office for Europe on World TB Day 2026.


Statement delivered by Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO's department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and STIs on World TB Day 2026.


Statement delivered by Hon. Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, South Africa on World TB Day 2026.

International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2026; March 24th.

FORUM: "Advancing the Rights of the victims." International Day for the Right to the truth concerning the gross human rights violations 2026. The United Nations welcomes this recognition of the unique suffering of victims of human rights violations, not only at the time of abuse, but long after as they seek truth, acknowledgement, and justice. During the day, Participants will be able to debate on the topic ’’What amounts to ‘a serious violation of international human rights law’?’’. On this commemorative day and every day, we emphasize the right to truth and pay tribute to those who devote their lives to the human rights of all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #RighttotheTruthDay. #Humanrightsviolations, #RighttotheTruthDay #24March, #paytritute, #minuteofsilence

EVENTS: A minute of silence to pay tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980.

On March 24th, the commemorative ceremony will be observed worldwide. The organizers, panelists and participants will have the opportunity to reinforce the commitments to end the cycle of impunity and the possibility to learn how to fight for the respect of human rights for all. The OHCHR upholds this commitment to the right to truth every day, and urge the international community to add their powerful voice to advocate for justice and reparations for victims and to bring perpetrators to justice. Join us for the commemoration of the International Day for the Rights to the truth concerning the Gross Human Rights Violations 2026 at UNHQ in New york and at UN Geneva!

Professional Training series: The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is the first universally legally binding human rights instrument concerning enforced disappearance. It outlines States parties’ obligations vis-à-vis this phenomenon as well as the victims’ fundamental rights. Ten years after the adoption of the Convention, there is still work to do to eradicate and prevent enforced disappearances in all parts of the world.

Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part I – Manual)

Reporting under the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance: Training Guide (Part II – Training package)

STATEMENTS: Statement from the U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims 2025; March 24th.

Statement delivered by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances 2026; March 24th.

“In a context marked by the dangerous denial and manipulation of information concerning gross human rights violations, the manufacture of popular support, the elusion of responsibility and the erosion of victims’ rights, it is essential to reaffirm the inalienable right to know the truth, a pillar of transitional justice processes and a vital guarantee of non-recurrence,” said the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances today.


“Exacerbated by new technologies, instances of glorification, revisionism and negationism of gross human rights violations are on the rise in all parts of the world, with detrimental impacts on rigorous truth-telling, and therefore on democracy and peace,” the experts warned.

“The comprehensive truth about gross human rights violations, including accurate accounts about the circumstances and responsibilities involved and the harm endured is an imprescriptible right of victims and an indispensable tool for societies to reckon with a violent past, heal and prevent future violations,” they stressed.

Commemorating the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, the experts expressed their support for the dignity and courage of survivors and families of victims who are pursuing their quest for truth and justice.

“In recent months, some political leaders, with the support of powerful corporate actors using AI-driven personalisation processes, have distorted facts, manipulated opinion, incited hatred and retraumatized victims, particularly women and historically marginalized groups. These phenomena not only undermine the prospects for peace and democracy in post-conflict and post-authoritarian settings, but pose new risks to societies that have long overcome such situations”.

The experts recalled that under international law, States are under an obligation to investigate, disclose relevant information to families of victims, including, in cases of enforced disappearance, unveiling the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared persons, and inform present and future generations. Truth-telling about such violations should be grounded on accurate accounts, especially those stemming from official transitional justice process, and must be aimed at preserving the collective memory from extinction and at guarding against the development of revisionist and negationist arguments.

Noting the vital role played by national and international accountability and truth-seeking mechanisms working to uncover the truth, they expressed alarm at the recent acts of intimidation and sanctions directed against their members, such as International Criminal Court Prosecutor and Judges, and called for their robust protection.

“Law professionals are at the very heart of the right to know the truth. Their contribution is essential to establish facts, ensure accountability, reparations, and guarantee non-recurrence. They must receive unconditional support against any form of intimidation, reprisals or punishment related to their professional duties,” the experts underscored.

In the second semester of 2026, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, Bernard Duhaime, will present a report on “the challenges of denial, negationism and revisionism of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law in transitional justice contexts”, and another on “New Technology and Transitional Justice”, to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, respectively. As regards the Working Group, which has already produced a report on New technologies and Enforced Disappearances in 2023, it will present a thematic report on Enforced Disappearances and Memorialization to the Human Rights Council in September 2026.


The experts:Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grażyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Baldé, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez and Mohamed Al Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances

Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organisation, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR.


Special Rapporteur on the promotion of Truth; Justice; Reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence & 
Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances;

For inquiries and media requests, please contact: hrc-sr-truth@un.org.
Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on X: @UN_SPExperts.

World Meteorological Day 2026; March 23rd.

 FORUM: "Observing today; Protecting tomorrow." World Meteorological Day 2026. This year, we are highlighting the vital role that young people and communities play as resilience builders. Around the world, individuals and organizations contribute every day to Earth observations, from monitoring weather and water to supporting climate awareness and early warnings. We also highlight the work of observation stations from different countries. Why do we need observations?; How does the observing system work?; Closing the gap in observations; Protecting Tomorrow; What’s the weather going to be? It’s most asked questions. We take it for granted that we can find the answer in a matter of seconds at the touch of a mobile phone screen or flick of the television switch. But behind each forecast are millions of observations, crunched through thousands of processors in the extraordinary and unique global network coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Wherever you may be – on land, at sea or in the air – the forecasts you are using are reliant on the free and open exchange of observational data orchestrated by WMO. From satellites orbiting Earth, to weather balloons released into the atmosphere, to ocean buoys and ships riding the waves, to remote stations, meteorological observations underpin everything from our daily routines to multi-billion dollar decisions. The immense and often invisible observing and prediction system coordinated by WMO's the backbone of our economies. It is the central nervous system for early warnings, which have saved many millions of lives. This World Meteorological Day therefore celebrates the work of the WMO community in observing our Earth to protect communities today and build resilience for tomorrow. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldMetDay, #Meteorology, #climateresilience, #weather, #Meteo, #observingtodayprotectingtomorrow, #23March, #Youth, #Communities, #resiliencebuilders

EVENTS: On March 23rd, the celebration of the World Meteorological Day 2026 will be held under the theme "Observing today; Protecting tomorrow. On this occasion, we’re bringing you the WMO Global State Of Climate 2025, featuring a new indicator; 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡’𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. Learn more about the Main ceremony, Register to participate and Stay tuned!

"Observing today; Protecting tomorrow." 

 Main ceremony at WMO headquarters, Salle Obasi, 15:00 CET.

WMO invites diplomatic representatives, staff, partners, United Nations agencies, students and other guests to join the official ceremony. It will be livestreamed in six UN official languages to allow maximum engagement with WMO Members and the staff of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.

Moderator: Nandita Surendran, Chief of WMO Global Communications Observing Today

Makoto Suwa, Astronaut, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency [video message]

Keynote presentation from Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, WMO

Abdulla Al Mandous, President, WMO [video message]
Argentine observing station Esperanza, Antarctica, on the importance of observations in remote Polar regions [live video link up]
Alexia Barrier, round-the-world ocean racer and advocate; Martin Kramp, OceanOPS Technical Coordinator, WMO [live video link up]
Launch of WMO State of the Global Climate 2025 report

Video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Setting the scene by Claire Ransom, Associate Scientific Officer, WMO
Presentation of key findings by Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, WMO
Protecting Tomorrow

Theo Wellington, Youth Coordinator, WMO
Video from Regional Youth focal points, WMO
Questions and statements from the floor

17:00 - Reception hosted by WMO Staff Association

EXHIBITS: Observing the Future.
An interactive exhibition led by the WMO Youth team.

Organized in collaboration with Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), this exhibition aims to connect participants with observation stations from diverse regions.

Station displays: Visuals highlighting the work of observation stations from different countries.
Station connections: QR codes enable short, pre-recorded video exchanges.
Station ambassadors: On-site ambassadors facilitate engagement and discussion.

ACTIVITIES: Join the WMD 2026 activities!

Ghana: The Ghana Meteorological Awareness Month; Ghana celebrates this year's Meteorological Awareness Month with the theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.” Learn more

Pakistan: Agrometeorology without borders: Dr. Adnan Arshad, from Pakistan, with his PhD student Eltayyab al Hasaan, from Sudan, researching grassland restoration and improving production by using advanced meteorology equipment to train youth to help us observe today and protect tomorrow.

Concerning car traffic and circulation: There is a lot of traffic with smoke from cars in Cantt (Lahore, Pakistan). It's a problem that affects school timings and people's health. 

Our research applies a "Rain to Drain" approach, following rainfall from the moment it lands through each stage of the drainage process. This requires a network of hyperlocal weather stations to capture rainfall data at the street scale, soil moisture probes placed through the depth of the rain gardens to record infiltration and storage behaviour, and flow monitors in the sewer network to detect surcharge events. Access to this data is not limited to researchers. Along Broadway, lecterns and posters give residents and visitors a way to see results for themselves. Co-designed with Western Primary School, they make SuDS visible in the street rather than hidden infrastructure. The posters are also interactive, providing both access to live data and opportunities for residents to contribute observations through PuddleWatch, a tool that records when and where water appears. Dr. Adnan Arshad and his team, in collaboration with PODA-Pakistan and the Pakistan Meteorological Department, are building the technical capacity of rural youth engaged in agriculture. The initiative involves installing mobile automatic weather stations at multiple locations to collect site-specific data and provide real-time updates. This enables young farmers to make informed decisions for planning their field operations and management practices - especially critical in the rainfed region of Punjab, Pakistan, where rainfall is the sole source of water for agriculture.

United Kingdom: This image shows How the Water Flows, a collaborative mural created as part of the Water Data for People project and now on display at Wybers Wood School in Grimsby. Designed around the school’s SuDS planter, the mural animates this everyday feature, using it as a focal point to bring together ideas about weather, water, and the local environment. It emerged through a series of workshops and creative sessions involving pupils, researchers, teachers, and artist Emma Garness, who worked together to explore local hydrology, drainage, and environmental change.
Led by the University of Hull, Water Data for People uses creative methods to help communities engage with local hydrological data and consider how it can shape future places and decisions. The project builds on the DIG Surface Water Resilience Project, a partnership between North East Lincolnshire Council, City of Doncaster Council, Anglian Water, and Yorkshire Water. Both projects are funded by Defra through the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, managed by the Environment Agency. Reflecting the ideas and experiences of the pupils, the mural shows how knowledge of rainfall, flooding, water use, and environmental processes connects directly to everyday life and to the spaces around the school. Guided by Garness’s distinctive approach to environmental themes and community identity, these insights were brought together in a vibrant piece of visual storytelling.

SPAIN: Understanding the weather, the CLIMATE and ACTING on it. - Students from the Antonio Machado Primary School are making a meteorological observation at the weather station developed as part of an educational project that received an award on the European Union's Climate Education Day in October 2025.

KENYA: Analysis of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS) and Urban Flash Flood Vulnerability: A Case Study of the March 2026 Nairobi Precipitation Event. A multi-spectral satellite RGB composite image showing significant convective activity over the Kenyan highlands and the central Rift Valley. Convective Intensity: The bright, textured blue and white bubbles scattered across the centre of the map represent cumulonimbus clouds - the primary drivers of heavy localized rainfall. Nairobi Impact: Nairobi is situated in the central region currently obscured by dense cloud cover. The presence of these deep convective cells suggests high potential for intense, short-duration downpours. In an urban environment like Nairobi, this type of concentrated rainfall often leads to rapid flash flooding due to saturated soils and strained drainage infrastructure. Moisture Influx: The brownish-orange background indicates the warmer land surface, while the varying shades of blue/cyan highlight moisture-rich air masses moving across the region, creating the "perfect storm" for the flooding events seen in early March 2026.

SWITZERLAND: Appreciation of the Night falls, Lausane, Switzerland.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on World Meteorological Day 2026.

On this World Meteorological Day, we are reminded that foresight saves lives. Climate chaos is rewriting the rules of weather, with record heat, longer droughts, rising seas and ever more frequent and extreme disasters. Accurate, trusted science is our first line of defence. The World Meteorological Organization and national services help keep us safe by weaving a global web of data, from land, sea, air and space – turning measurements into forecasts, and forecasts into early warnings. Yet the global observing system is under strain, with critical gaps, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States. This year’s theme, Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow, is a call to action. Governments, development banks and the private sector must scale up support for our global observing backbone, from surface stations to satellites, and ensure data is shared openly and equitably. And we must accelerate Early Warnings for All so that, by 2027, every person is protected by life-saving alerts. Investing in observation pays many times over – strengthening peace, security, resilience and sustainable development. By observing today, we can protect tomorrow – for people, for planet, for prosperity, and for generations to come.

United Nations Secretary-General.

 Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General of the WMO on the World Meteorological Day 2026; March 23rd.

Dear members, colleagues, friends, happy World Meteorological Day. There are many UN International Days. So why does this one matter?, It's because today we celebrate the WMO community and its role in saving lives and serving society. Let's take a closer look. One of the most frequently asked questions is what's the weather going to be. People take it for granted that we can find the answer on their mobile phones and televisions.Behind each forecast are millions of observations which are processed in a unique international network coordinated by the WMO. WMO global observing system underpins decisions worth billions from aviation routing to flat protection from energy planning to health management from crop planting to infrastructure investments. It generates forecast and early warnings that save many thousands of lives. So I am delighted that the theme of the this year world meteorological day is observing today protecting tomorrow because when we observe today we don't just predict the weather we protect tomorrow's people tomorrow's planet. And that is why the young people of today are so important because they are the guardians of the future. We need your energy, your innovation, your skills. Colleagues and friends, we live in an era of great technological advances, but we must level the playing field and ensure that nobody is left behind. We must close the gaps in data and observations and we must remember that artificial intelligence depends on human intelligence. On this World Meteorological Day, I would therefore like to pay tribute to the many thousands of humans in the WMO community, the observers in remote and lonely locations, the meteorologist who release weather balloons twice a day every day, the hydrologist who monitored rivers at dawn, the forecasters who stay awake through the night. The oceanographers who brave the waves. The engineers who repair stations after a storm. The satellite technicians who maintain our eyes in the sky. The climatologists who help us understand the past and prepare for the future. The computer processors who crunch and share the data. We are more than just weather forecasters. Together we provide a global public service for the global public good. Together we are observing today and protecting tomorrow. I thank you all and once again I wish you a happy world meteorological day.

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the WMO.

PUBLICATION: Launch of the  State of the Global Climate 2025.

The WMO’s State of the Global Climate report 2025 confirms that 2015-2025 are the hottest 11-years on record, and that 2025 was the second or third hottest year on record, at about 1.43 °C above the 1850-1900 average. Extreme events around the world, including intense heat, heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones, caused disruption and devastation and highlighted the vulnerability of our inter-connected economies and societies. The ocean continues to warm and absorb carbon dioxide. It has been absorbing the equivalent of about eighteen times the annual human energy use each year for the past two decades. Annual sea ice extent in the Arctic was at or near a record low, Antarctic sea ice extent was the third lowest on record, and glacier melt continued unabated, according to the report. For the first time, the report includes the Earth’s energy imbalance as one of the key climate indicators. The  report confirms that the years 2015-2025 was the hottest according to 11 years on record; The Earth’s energy imbalance is highest in sixty five-year record; The oceans has been absorbing about eighteen times the annual human energy use each year for the past two decades; The current Extreme weather impacts millions and costs billions; Get the Full Report; Read the Press Release and latest information on Extreme Weather!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Join the campaign 2026 "Observing today; Protecting tomorrow.". The Campaign Assets, Posters, videos, and other outreach materials for World Meteorological Day can be downloaded in high-resolution format from our Trello Board. Additional resources will be made available. Poster in Arabic, in Chinese, in Russian, In French, in English, In Spanish.

 LIVESTREAM: Presentation of the Report entitled the State of the Global Climate 2025. The WMO uses datasets developed and maintained by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and the United Kingdom’s Met Office Hadley Centre and the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit in the United Kingdom. It also uses reanalysis datasets from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and its Copernicus Climate Change Service, and the Japan Meteorological Agency. This method combines millions of meteorological and marine observations, including from satellites, with models to produce a complete reanalysis of the atmosphere. The combination of observations with models makes it possible to estimate temperatures at any time and in any place across the globe, even in data-sparse areas such as the polar regions. Internationally recognized datasets are used for all other key climate indicators. Full details are available in the State of the Global Climate report .

Videos by NASA, UNEP, WMO
Data Visualization

World Water Day 2026; March 22nd.

FORUM: "Water and Gender, Where Water Flows, Equality Grows." World Water Day 2026 . The global water crisis affects everyone – but not equally. Where people lack safe drinking water and sanitation close to home, inequalities flourish, with women and girls bearing the brunt. They collect water. They manage water. They care for people made sick by unsafe water. They lose time, health, safety, and opportunities. And too often, the systems that govern water leave women and girls out of decision-making, leadership, funding and representation. This makes the water crisis a women’s crisis. We need a transformative, rights-based approach to solving these challenges, where women’s voices are heard and their agency recognized. All women must be equitably represented at all levels of water leadership – helping design every pipe and policy. And women must drive change in water as engineers, farmers, scientists, sanitation workers and community leaders. As we face growing risks, from a changing climate and water-related disasters to financing shortfalls, from social norms to governance gaps, we need everybody to play their full part: managing water as a common good and building resilience for the future. This includes engaging men and boys as allies in promoting safe water, sanitation and hygiene for all, and in challenging the norms and behaviours that hold women and girls back. Only then can safe water services meet everyone’s needs – empowering women and girls to lead healthier, more fulfilled lives – and making water a force for sustainable development and gender equality that benefits us all. On World Water Day 2026, let's explore the critical relationship between water, women, and gender equality. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WWDR, #Glacierpreservation, #WorldWaterDay, #22March., #Acceleratingchange.

EVENTS: On March 23rd, 2026 from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm in Venice, Italy to celebrate World Water Day 2026, the UNESCO and WWAP are convening an Symposium with key stakeholders to explore the critical link between water and gender equality. The 2026 theme, ‘Water and Gender’, emphasises safe drinking water and sanitation as fundamental human rights and critical enablers of gender equality, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 5. Despite progress, women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate burden of water and sanitation responsibilities, and remain underrepresented in water governance and leadership. Under the theme ‘Water and Gender - Where Water Flows, Equality Grows’, this event will launch the UN World Water Development Report 2026 (WWDR 2026) and convene key stakeholders to foster dialogue, partnerships, and action towards more inclusive and resilient water systems. More specifically, the event aims to present the key findings and policy recommendations of the WWDR 2026 on water and gender; To position gender equality as a central pillar of water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development; To amplify women’s leadership and voices in water governance, services, and decision-making; To foster cross-sectoral dialogue and partnerships to accelerate progress toward SDG 6 and SDG 5 at global, regional, and national levels. Learn more about the UNESCO/WWAP symposium and register to participate!

On March 18th 2026, from 16:00 - 17:00 Asia/Tokyo, an online event held by the United Nations University will explore ways to mainstream gender in water and sanitation issues. Actions will be taken to support the achievement of SDG 6 (water and sanitation for all) and to raise awareness of the 2.1 billion people living without access to safe water. The theme for 2026 is Water and Gender. The global water crisis affects everyone, but not equally. Where people lack the rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, inequalities flourish, with women and girls bearing the brunt. Too often, the systems that govern water leave women and girls out of decision-making, leadership, funding and representation. This webinar will discuss transformative, rights-based approaches to solving these challenges, where women’s voices are heard and their agency recognized. The event is co-organized by UNU-IAS, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Tokyo office, Institute for Global Health Policy Research (iGHP), Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), the University of Tokyo (TBC) and Waseda University Institute for Global Health. This event will be held online. To participate, please register in advance to receive a Zoom link. Please note that participants in UNU events may appear in photography, screen captures, videos, and/or audio. For further information please refer to Events. Learn more about the virtual event and Register to participate!

On March 22nd, 2026, the FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium will held a hybrid-event entitled ‘‘Where water flow, Equality grows’’. Water is a major input in the provision of food, from production in the field through all the steps in the value chain. Water is also required to meet personal and household needs, for energy and industrial production, and to maintain important water-dependent ecosystems and ecosystem services. The FAO's work in water is responding decisively to the needs of its member countries by addressing the various challenges affecting sustainable water management and supply, which our food systems and people depend on to thrive. For more information on FAO’s World Water Day 2026 celebration, and learn more about FAO's work in Water.

On March 19th, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (New York time) at the ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, The main event will take place during the final day of CSW. It is hosted by the Permanent Missions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Nepal, Pakistan, Senegal, Switzerland, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates, together with UN-Habitat, UN-Water, UN-Women, UNDESA, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNU-INWEH, IUCN and the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa. During the event, the UN World Water Development Report 2026, titled “Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities,” will be officially launched. The report highlights key data and practical solutions to advance gender equality across the water sector. Get the Programme, the link of Registration in person and Watch the livestream!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Saudi Arabia and Riyadh's plan to host the 11th World Water Forum in 2027 on the theme "Action for a Better Future" was elected during the 86th meeting of the Board of Governors of the World Water Council, in Istanbul, on February 17, 2024.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the occasion of the World Water Day 2026; March 22nd.

This year’s World Water Day reminds us that safe water and sanitation play a critical role in supporting the rights and health of women and girls.

When access is lacking, it’s women and girls who pay the highest toll, relying on unsafe toilets; caring for family members made sick from contaminated water; and spending hours each day retrieving water from crowded communal sources – a chore that keeps many girls home from school.

But this year’s theme points to the solution: “Where water flows, equality grows.”

It’s time for governments to scale up investment and strengthen national water and sanitation systems, through improved delivery capacities, workforce training and reliable financing. Developed countries must share the technologies, expertise and financing required to build safe, sustainable and resilient water and sanitation infrastructure. And women must be at the decision-making table to ensure these systems meet their needs.

Too often, water is a source of conflict. But it can also unite people and be a contributor to peace. This year’s UN Water Conference will bring the world together to accelerate progress on water and sanitation for all.

Together, let’s make water a force for gender equality, and let the benefits flow to every community in the world.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

Statement of UN-Water Chair on World Water Day 2026; March 22nd.

Women can be many things at once: mothers, workers, caregivers, leaders. When water is unsafe, or far from home, they are the ones expected to carry the burden on top of everything else.

Safe water and sanitation services, close to home, protect women and girls’ time, health, safety and opportunity – providing the foundation of a healthier, more fulfilled life.

Yet for millions, drinking water at home is still not a reality. In two out of three households, water collection is primarily women’s responsibility.

That can mean queuing or walking long distances to fetch water, often from unimproved or unsafe sources like rivers and ponds.

These daily journeys carry risks and indignities that are too often invisible.

This makes the water crisis a women’s crisis. And women remain underrepresented in the decision-making that shape water systems and services.

That must change.

It is time to centre women and girls in water solutions – as users, leaders and workers – so they can play an equitable role alongside men to ensure water-related services meet everyone’s needs.

We need women and men, girls and boys, to manage water together as a common good that benefits the whole of society.

Because where water flows, equality grows.

UN-Water Chair, Álvaro Lario.

Statement of the UNEP Executive Director on World Water Day 2026; March 22nd.


World Water Day reminds us that healthy freshwater ecosystems are essential for resilient societies, yet their degradation disproportionately affects women and girls. In many communities, women are the first to feel the impacts of declining water quality, pollution, or scarcity. At the same time, women are among the most knowledgeable and committed custodians of water resources.

The 2026 theme, Water and Gender, underscores the urgency of embedding inclusivity and gender equality into the governance of freshwater ecosystems. This becomes all the more important as the impacts from climate change, desertification, land degradation, biodiversity loss and pollution are severely impacting freshwater access and therefore water security. Around the world, women are hydrologists, freshwater experts, policymakers, citizen scientists, and community leaders. Women’s leadership and lived experience offer essential solutions to protecting rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers and the communities and livelihoods that depend on them.

UNEP works with governments and institutions to strengthen the evidence base needed to design equitable water policies, improve gender responsive data, and monitor progress toward a more inclusive global water agenda.

Recognizing women’s leadership in decision-making and community water management, valuing their local environmental knowledge, expanding opportunities for meaningful participation, and embedding equality in water governance are critical to protecting freshwater ecosystems and ensuring no one is left behind.

UNEP Executive Director’s message, Inger Andersen.

Statement of the UN Women Executive Director World Water Day 2026; March 22nd.


In a world shaped by climate change, growing inequalities, and increasing pressure on natural resources, water lies at the heart of our shared future.

Water is essential for life, health, food, and livelihoods. Yet for billions of people, access to safe water and sanitation remains out of reach. And while the global water crisis affects everyone, it does not affect everyone equally.

Women and girls bear the greatest impacts of the unequal access to and scarcity of water. Every day, they spend millions of hours collecting water, caring for families, and managing scarcity, often at the cost of their education, income, health, and safety. When water is unsafe or unavailable, inequalities deepen and opportunities disappear.

This reality was already recognized thirty years ago in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which underscored the central role of women in environmental sustainability and called for their full participation in the management and safeguarding of natural resources, including water. Today, those commitments are more urgent than ever.

But women are not only the most affected by the water crisis; they are also powerful agents of change.

This World Water Day, under the theme “Water and Gender Equality – Where water flows, equality grows,” we call for a transformative, rights-based approach that places women’s leadership at the centre of water solutions. We must invest in gender-responsive water governance, financing, and services; and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.

Water can be a force for equality, resilience, and prosperity. Together, let us make it so: for all women and girls, for communities, and for generations to come.

UN Women Executive Director’s Message, Sima Sami Bahous.

Statement of the UNSG's Special Envoy on World Water Day 2026; March 22nd.

Water shapes daily life everywhere – but not equally.

For millions of women and girls, a day still begins with the search for water. It can mean long walks, missed school, lost income and exposure to danger. Around the world, women and girls spend hundreds of millions of hours each day collecting water, time that could otherwise be used for education, work and participation in community life.

Safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are human rights and the foundation of dignity, health and opportunity. Yet more than one billion women still lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and in most households without water on the premises, the responsibility for collection falls primarily to them.

This is why the water crisis is also a challenge to gender equality and women empowerment.

But women are not only those most affected – they are also leaders, innovators and agents of solutions. From women-led enterprises providing safe water to rural communities to women strengthening resilience to drought and disasters, their leadership makes water services more sustainable and inclusive.

As we prepare for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, we must accelerate action that places women and girls at the centre – not only as beneficiaries, but as partners, professionals and decision-makers. Investing in women and water will strengthen communities, economies and peace.

I am a woman. I know that when women participate in decisions and actions about water, systems work better for everyone.

Let this World Water Day be a call to act, together, so that safe water empowers every woman and every girl, everywhere.

UNSG's Special Envoy on Water, Retno Marsudi

Statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on World Water Day 2026; March 22nd.

The global promise of safe drinking water and sanitation for all is slipping through our fingers.

Today, 2.1 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water, putting entire communities at risk of preventable diseases.

Behind these numbers are hundreds of millions of women and girls walking hours each day to fetch water, sacrificing education, opportunities, and livelihoods.

Mothers are giving birth without clean water – risking deadly infections for themselves and their newborns.

The water crisis is a gender equality crisis.

Where water is scarce, inequality deepens, and those already in vulnerable situations are pushed even further behind.

Gender inequality permeates everything: who turns on a tap and who walks miles for water; whose water is safe and whose is contaminated; whose voices shape decisions on the management of rivers, aquifers and water infrastructure – and whose voices are silenced and ignored.

Access to safe water is about more than survival.

Water is life. Water is dignity. Water is a human right.

Yet climate change, pollution, conflict, and unsustainable resource extraction - including industrial agriculture and data centers that use huge quantities of water - are placing unprecedented pressure on strained water systems.

Without bold action, water scarcity will continue to fuel instability and widen inequalities.

With the UN Water Conference approaching in December, 2026 must be the year in which commitments finally become action.

States and local governments must prioritize gender-responsive water policies, budgets, plans, and programs.

The private sector must conduct due diligence on water management, based on human rights.

And the international community must strengthen cooperation over competition in managing this vital resource.

Investment in water is an investment in dignity, equality, public health, and sustainable development.

It is an investment in people – and especially an investment in women and girls.

Thank you.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

GET INVOLVED: The 2026 campaign is led by UNICEF and UN Women, who co-coordinate a dedicated Task Force of over 30 UN-Water Members and Partners. World Water Day is coordinated by UN-Water.  The campaign called ‘Where water flows, equality grows’ – is now live.

 

This year, the theme is ‘Water and Gender’, focusing on safe water and sanitation as human rights and critical enablers of gender equality. The campaign explains that the global water crisis affects everyone, but not equally. Where people lack the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, inequalities flourish, with women and girls bearing the brunt. The actions needed to be taken are about centring women and girls in water solutions and about calling for a transformative, rights-based approach to solving the water crisis, where women’s and girls’ voices, leadership and agency are fully recognized.
 Because when women and girls have equal voice and leadership in water decisions, services become more inclusive, sustainable and effective – making water a force for a healthier, more prosperous, gender-equal future that will benefit us all.

• Learn more, share content and take action here.
• To explore the themes of previous World Water Day campaigns, please visit this page.
• Access the campaign resources in the dedicated Trello board.
• For media and interview requests, contact us on: unwater@un.org mentioning [Media request] in the subject heading.

News and Media: Get the latest news from UN-Water; Understand what is happening around the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Interact in our campaigns; Explore newly released publications and where events are taking place around the world.

PUBLICATIONS: Read the full World Water Development Report 2026, titled “Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities,” in French and Italian. The Executive summary and the WWDR 2026 Facts, figures and action examples.

LIVESTREAM: World Water Day 2026| Water and Gender Equality: Where water flows, equality grows at ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York; On March 19th 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (New York time).The main event will take place during the final day of CSW. It is hosted by the Permanent Missions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Nepal, Pakistan, Senegal, Switzerland, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates, together with UN-Habitat, UN-Water, UN-Women, UNDESA, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNU-INWEH, IUCN and the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa. During the event, the UN World Water Development Report 2026, titled “Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities,” will be officially launched. The report highlights key data and practical solutions to advance gender equality across the water sector. Get the Agenda programme & Registration in person and follow us on line on UN Web TV.