Location: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

In 1993, the United Nations declared March 22 "World Water Day". For 22 years, the event has been marked globally each March 22 under a different theme. The theme for 2015 is "Water and Sustainable Development" and reflects the important role water plays in the future of the planet.

This year's World Water Day comes at a time when the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are being assessed and the international community defines new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the years 2016 to 2030. These SDGs will guide global efforts to protect and develop water resources as well as to offer water and sanitation services to everybody within the next 15 years.

To mark the occasion, the African Development Bank is hosting an event on Friday, March 20 in its Abidjan headquarters. The event will include a panel discussion on how the African Development Bank, decision-makers, development partners, and water and sanitation stakeholders perceive the progress that was achieved under the MDGs and what can be expected of the SDGs. The event will also include the screening of a film on how a Bank-supported water and sanitation project has transformed the lives of rural people in Rwanda.

The African Development Bank is the premier regional partner in achieving water security for inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa. Between 2000 and 2014, the AfDB invested US $4.7 billion to increase access to clean water and sanitation for the people of Africa. Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right and the AfDB is working hard to ensure access for all.