The United Nations Water Action Decade is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting action to address water-related challenges. It spans from 2018 to 2028 and encourages collaboration among governments, organisations, and communities to achieve sustainable water management goals.

In alignment with the UN’s mission, the inaugural Water Week has been announced to take place 3rd-9th June 2024 and is timed to coincide with the World Water Forum in Bali. The initiative aims to bolster the efforts of the UN Water Action Decade by bringing together representatives from the United Nations, NGOs, industry leaders, policymakers and organisations from the film, media, and entertainment industry to inform, inspire and empower children and young people to take action around global water challenges.

Caroline Petit, Deputy Director of the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) said, “We have the roadmap with the Sustainable Development Goals. So let us take action and protect, sustainably manage and ensure equitable access to water for all. Progress depends on our actions, not on our words.”

Over 180 organisations were invited to take part in the Water Week consultation, to help inform the UK Water Week delivery strategy. Katy Newnham, director of Wastebuster, an environmental education charity, is coordinating a roadmap for the initiative. She said, “Coming together in this ground-breaking collective impact initiative demonstrates the values of UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals. It presents an extraordinary opportunity for multiple stakeholders to come together to maximise the power of collective impact and help inspire the next generation of water conservationists.”

By mapping and signposting to programmes and activities being delivered by NGOs, industry, and government to tackle water pollution both in the UK and worldwide, Water Week will help children and young people, understand how they can play an active role in being part of the solutions, through practical action.

To find out more about joining the Water Action Partnership, and for updates about the organisations already committed, email Claire Poulson claire@wastebuster.co.uk.

Water Week are working together with the media and entertainment industry to inform, inspire and empower children through storytelling on global water challenges, with a focus on water pollution.

Storytelling can be a powerful tool for social change, connecting facts with emotion, fostering empathy, and inspiring action.

“Water Week aims to harness the power of entertainment for social change and inspire a generation to be water conservationists.” said Katy Newnham, Wastebuster.

Through storytelling, complex issues can become relatable and comprehensible. For this reason, Water Week aims to curate some of the most compelling and engaging content from all forms of entertainment, featuring narrative exploring the topics of care for the environment, water pollution and conservation.

Documentaries, inspirational talks, natural history and feature films, factual programming, cartoons, games and music will be curated thematically as stimulus resources on the platform, linking to education content that will help children and young people explore the topics further.

The Wombles are one of the founding partners of Water Week and have been telling environmental themed stories since 1968. Great Uncle Bulgaria sums it up well “We believe the art of storytelling is a powerful tool to empower, educate and bring together local communities for the power of good. It is obvious that water is important to us all, so let's ensure we protect it.” #Wombleswanted

Organisations are now being invited to come forward with existing content to be considered for inclusion.

If your organisation would like to get in touch to discuss the opportunity further, please email info@wastebuster.co.uk.

Water Week will provide young people with opportunities to make a tangible difference and measure their impact in combatting water pollution, in the hopes to reach and inspire the next generation of water conservationists. By empowering children and young people to take ownership of environmental challenges, these initiatives nurture a sense of agency, responsibility, and stewardship that can shape lifelong attitudes and behaviours.

Water Week will mobilise children and young people to pledge to take action to reduce water pollution and report on what they have done, so their impact can be recorded and shared. These actions will be carried out throughout the year. The overall impact in terms of reducing water pollution will be measured and celebrated during Water Week 2025. Young people will be trained to be ‘Water Week reporters’ and a summit event will take place where young people can pose questions on water to a panel of cross-sector representatives. National and international broadcasters, social media and news platforms will be invited to amplify messaging around the initiative, giving children and young people a voice.

As the guardians of tomorrow's world, young people have a crucial role to play in addressing the urgent challenges of water pollution. By empowering them with opportunities to make a difference and measure impact, Water Week will not only foster environmental stewardship but also sow the seeds of a more sustainable future for generations to come. By harnessing the passion and creativity of children and young people, Water Week will take a significant step towards safeguarding the planet's most precious resource: water.

To find out more about joining the Water Action Partnership, and for updates about the organisations already committed, email Claire Poulson claire@wastebuster.co.uk.