What is the purpose of the International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Life’, 2005-2015?
The primary goal of the ‘Water for Life’ Decade is to promote efforts to fulfill international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015 – a decade of action. Relevant commitments include the Millennium Development targets to reduce by half the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015. The goal for all countries to stop the unsustainable exploitation of water resources and to develop integrated water resource management and water efficiency plans by 2005 agreed at the Johannesburg Summit is also an important focus of the Decade. A special emphasis will be placed on ensuring the involvement of women in these development efforts. Achieving the goals of this International Decade will require sustained commitment, cooperation and investment.
