UN chief urges humanity to take steps for 'a water-secure future'

WASHINGTON

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on humanity Friday to take steps for "a water-secure future."

In closing remarks at the United Nations Water Conference, Guterres said the three-day event demonstrated a "central truth" and "as humanity’s most precious global common good, water unites us all.".

The UN chief pointed out that water has a wide range of influence, from global challenges to peace and from human rights to gender equality.

"Let’s take the next steps in our journey to a water-secure future for all," said Guterres, highlighting the importance of a "Water Action Agenda," which was created on the margin of the conference.

"All of humanity’s hopes for the future depend, in some way, on charting a new science-based course to bring the Water Action Agenda to life," he added.

UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi said $300 billion was pledged to buoy the transformative "Water Action Agenda."

“The outcome of this conference is not a legally binding document, but it still turns the page of history,” he said.