Global Flood Resilience Program: Karnali Basin, Nepal

Source: Sumit Dugar

Water in Millennium Development Goals (MGDs)

Millennium Development Goals

In 2000, the United Nation Millennium Summit established an eight common international goals in its 189 country members (193 currently) following the adoption of the United Nation Millennium Declaration. The goals was established in the area of poverty and hunger; universal primary education; gender equality; child mortality; maternal health; HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other diseases; environmental sustainability and global partner for development. These eight different goals are called Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The summit developed targets and dates for achieving those targets. The member countries and at least 23 international organizations committed to help achieve the above mentioned millennium development goals by 2015.

Drinking Water in Millennium Development Goals

In goal seven (c) of Millennium Development Goals, there is a target which states that the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation will be reduced halve by 2015. After the declaration, the World Health Organization and UNICEF has started joint monitoring program to assess the achievement/improvement in water supply and sanitation program. These organizations defined the criteria of improved drinking water sources to allow for international comparability for monitoring the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs). The World Health Organization and UNICEF joint monitoring program defines "improved" drinking water sources as follows:

American Congress Passed Water for the World Act

The American congress finally passed the Water for the World Act on 19 December 2014. For the last six years advocates and supporters have been making voices to step up and support Water for the World Act. The text of the bill is given in below link.

Text of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2014