Each year, on March 22nd, World Water Day serves as a global reminder of the crucial importance of freshwater and the ongoing need to support the 2.2 billion people who still lack access. This year's theme, "Glacier Preservation," underscores environmental and humanitarian issues that are urgent and pivotal in today’s society. Cotes is celebrating World Water Day by reaffirming its commitment to water access through its partnership with UNICEF.
The Role of Water in Global Development
Clean water is indispensable for survival and plays a pivotal role in health, productivity and development, and peace efforts. In the last two decades, over 2.1 billion people—more than a quarter of the world's population (26%) —have gained access to safe water, leading to improved child survival rates and bolstering economies towards sustainability and growth.
UNICEF: A Beacon of Hope
UNICEF is a global leader in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services, ensuring more than 35 million people annually gain access to safe water. Their proactive involvement in crisis-affected regions prevents outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and other waterborne diseases, transforming lives in some of the most vulnerable communities.
In 2023, with a focus on sustainable WASH solutions, UNICEF installed 2.789 solar-powered water systems across 56 countries. These systems are essential in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring safe water reaches remote, climate-vulnerable areas.
Real-World Impact: Success Stories
1. Rejuvenating Sloviansk, Ukraine: In 2024, Sloviansk faced immense challenges due to damaged water infrastructure created by shelling. With support from UNICEF, the water supply is being restored, allowing residents to return to normalcy and ease daily burdens by ending the need to choose between cooking, washing, or bathing their children.
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Image: Young girl drinks from a cup in Sloviansk, Ukraine, 2025
2. A New Dawn for Almatar Camp, Sudan: In 2025, at the Almatar IDP camp, 16.000 people displaced by conflict now access clean water through five new distribution points thanks to UNICEF's efforts. This initiative helps families like Istiglal’s rebuild their lives by ensuring that water, as a symbol of hope, flows freely once more.
"We no longer face any water shortages, (...) Whenever we need water, we simply go to the water points and turn on the taps."
- Istiglal, Almatar Camp, Sudan, 2025
UNICEF and its partners are also constructing sanitation facilities to prevent waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, promoting improved health and hygiene for everyone.
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Image: Access to Clean Water in Almatar Camp, Sudan, 2025
WE GIVE BACK THE WATER WE TAKE
As global challenges persist, Cotes remains firmly committed to supporting UNICEF's mission to provide every child with access to clean water. The stories from Ukraine and Sudan highlight that each drop of water fuels a brighter future, shaping healthier generations and more sustainable communities. 
Through World Water Day, global partners like Cotes and UNICEF reflect on these achievements, and inspire collective action towards a future where clean water access is universal. Together, we are dedicated to transforming realities for millions, one drop at a time.