One water summit & SDG-6

The article underscores the critical global issue of water scarcity and its implications for human life, society, and economic development. With over 2.2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and 4.2 billion without proper sanitation, the situation is exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and unsustainable practices. Pakistan, one of the top ten climate-vulnerable nations, faces dual challenges of drought and floods. The government is responding with initiatives like the National Drought Plan and promoting modern irrigation techniques and drought-resistant crops. Meanwhile, the “One Water Summit,” held alongside the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, aimed to foster international collaboration on SDG-6, which targets sustainable water and sanitation management. Saudi Arabia’s leadership and funding of global water projects, along with its commitment to hosting the 2027 World Water Forum, highlight its active role in addressing this crisis.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the summit emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to tackling water-related challenges. He proposed a six-point agenda focusing on international cooperation, knowledge sharing, climate-resilient funding, data sharing, skills development, and political will. Initiatives like “Recharge Pakistan” aim to mitigate climate-induced risks through ecosystem-based solutions. The article concludes with an urgent call for collective global efforts to ensure water sustainability and counter the crises induced by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Overview:

This article explores the escalating water crisis, its global ramifications, and the steps being taken to address it, with a focus on SDG-6. It highlights Pakistan’s vulnerabilities and the collaborative efforts at the international level to mitigate water-related challenges, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and political commitment.

NOTES:

The article highlights the worsening global water crisis driven by climate change, pollution, overuse, urbanization, and unsustainable practices. It notes that 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed areas, while 2.2 billion lack safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion lack sanitation. Pakistan, as one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change, faces challenges like droughts and floods, with 70% of its land being arid or semi-arid. The government is working on a National Drought Plan and promoting modern irrigation methods and drought-resistant crops. The 2024 One Water Summit in Saudi Arabia, aligned with SDG-6, aimed to foster global cooperation on water resource management, supported by significant contributions like Saudi Arabia’s $6 billion for 200 water projects. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed a six-point agenda to tackle water issues, including international collaboration, technology transfer, climate-resilient infrastructure, regional data sharing, skill development, and strong political will. The article underscores the need for collective global efforts to ensure sustainable and equitable access to clean water resources.

For your understanding, These elements make the article a vital resource for understanding environmental policies, sustainable development goals, and Pakistan’s stance in global forums, which are essential for effective essay writing and interviews in the CSS examination.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Environmental Science: Water resource management, climate change impacts
• Pakistan Affairs: National policies for climate resilience
• International Relations: Global cooperation on SDG-6

Notes for Beginners:

Water scarcity refers to a lack of sufficient water for basic needs. Factors like overuse, pollution, and climate change worsen this issue. For example, Pakistan faces drought due to its arid lands and floods due to erratic rainfall patterns. Initiatives like modern irrigation and cultivating drought-resistant crops help conserve water. Globally, forums like the One Water Summit bring nations together to tackle such problems collaboratively.

Facts and Figures:

• 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water globally.
• 2 billion people lack proper sanitation facilities.
• Pakistan’s arid and semi-arid lands cover 70% of its area.
• Saudi Arabia has committed over $6 billion to water-related development projects.

To wrap up, The article underscores the urgency of addressing water scarcity through sustainable practices, international cooperation, and proactive policymaking. It provides a comprehensive view of how nations, including Pakistan, are tackling this crisis and emphasizes the collective responsibility required to ensure a sustainable future for water resources.

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