The UN General Assembly adopted by consensus on December 12th a resolution to designate August 27th as the World Lake Day.
Dr. Han Seung-soo, Chair of HELP, proposed establishment of the World Lake Day in the UN 2023 Water Conference. The proposal was supported by Heads of States and international organizations in the Bandung Sprit Water Summit at WWF10, in Bali in May, 2024 and included in its outcome document “Bandung Call to Action”. The resolution was submitted by over 50 governments led by Indonesia under strong support by H.E. Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, former Minister of PUPR, Indonesia, Vice Chair of HELP, and H.E. Ms. Retno Marsudi, the UNSG’s Special Envoy on Water.
Lakes and reservoirs are critical in buffering floods and droughts, maintaining precious aquatic ecosystems, adapting to climate change, and maintaing healthy water cycle.
Let me congratulate all who have collaborated and supported establishment of the World Lake Day. Your efforts have come to fruition.