Water security

Equally critical is the challenge of water security. The UN Environment Program (UNEP) has pointed out that about one- third of the world's population lives in countries with moderate to high water stress, with a 1 impact on the poor. With current projected global population growth, the task of providing water for human 2 will become increasingly difficult. And increasing competition over this scarce but vital resource may fuel instability and conflict within states as well as between states. The UN is doing a great deal in both areas to proactively foster 3 among Member States. UNEP has long been actively addressing the water issue together with partner UN 4 and other organizations. Looking ahead, the UN can do more to build synergies of technology, policy and capacity in this field. In this regard, events like the annual World Water Week in Stockholm come to the forefront of the public mind when talking about championing water issues.