European Union and UN Water highlight importance of international water cooperation with an outdoor exhibition at Lake Geneva

Water is life. It is essential for health and nature. It seems abundant, yet not everyone has access to it. We all must act to use & protect it better. Water knows no borders. Transboundary waters in the form of rivers, lakes and aquifers account for 60% of global freshwater flows, affecting more than 3 billion people. An appropriate management of water allows for more stable societies and sustainable ecosystems.

On 12 May, the EU Delegation in Geneva launched with UN Water, ‘L’eau dans tous ses états’. Five international organizations and UN agencies (FAO, IMO-WMO, UNECE, UNESCO and UNHCR) contributed to the exhibition supported by the city of Geneva. Its purpose is to bring to a wider public an understanding of international water cooperation and call for action after the 2023 UN Water Conference.

On the day of the launching of the exhibition, the EU Delegation in Geneva hosted a ceremony. Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, EU Delegation in Geneva, gave opening remarks followed by Chair of UN Water, Gilbert F. Houngbo. The two co-hosts of 2023 UN Water Conference, Ambassador Jamshed Khamidov, Tajikistan Mission in Geneva and Ambassador Paul Bekkers, Kingdom of the Netherlands Mission in Geneva, also gave opening remarks, sharing insights of the work of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water.

 The issue of water is a major priority for the EU, both within its territory and globally. Today's exhibition reminds us of the importance of water and of multilateral action to preserve it.

Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, EU Delegation in Geneva

Water is essential for health, livelihood, peace & sustainability. Water is everyone's need & everyone's business.

Chair of UN Water, Gilbert F. Houngbo

Located at the shore of beautiful Lake Geneva (near La Perle du Lac, at Parc Mon Repos), this exhibition will be accessible until 31 May 2023.  You can also get access to the digital version below: