The Economic Community of West African States Commission has called for intensified efforts to promote equitable and inclusive water management across West Africa as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a statement released through its Water Resources Management Centre, ECOWAS highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “Water for Equality,” stressing the urgent need to address disparities in access to water and sanitation services across the region.
Established by the United Nations in 1993, World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to underscore the vital role water plays in sustaining life, safeguarding health, upholding human dignity, and driving sustainable development.
The Commission noted that despite global efforts, more than two billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water, a situation that continues to pose serious development challenges.
According to ECOWAS, inequalities in water access in West Africa disproportionately impact women, young people, and vulnerable populations. These groups, while playing key roles in water collection and management at the household and community levels, remain largely underrepresented in decision-making processes.
ECOWAS therefore urged governments, stakeholders, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and adopt inclusive policies aimed at ensuring fair and sustainable access to water resources for all.