SG/SM/10590
10 August 2006
In Remarks at Launch of UN-MTV Partnership on World Water Crisis, Secretary-General Appeals to Youths to Care, Conserve, and Join Search for Solutions
NEW YORK, 9 August (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of remarks by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan today at launch of UN-MTV water partnership:
Most of us take water for granted: we turn on the tap and there's plenty of it. Or, if we prefer, we can buy hundreds of different brands in the supermarket.
But, for more than a billion people who lack access to safe drinking water, this is an inconceivable dream. And, some 2.6 billion people have no access to proper sanitation. The consequences are devastating.
Nearly 2 million children die every year because of unclean water and poor sanitation -- far more than the casualties from violent conflicts.
All over the world, pollution, over-consumption and poor water management are decreasing the quality and quantity of water.
Competition among nations for fresh water is already a factor in many conflicts, and has the potential to become much, much worse in the future. In fact, nearly a half-century ago, late President John F. Kennedy said that "Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two Nobel Prizes -- one for peace and one for science."
The water crisis -- like many issues confronting our world -- can only be fully addressed with the active participation of young people everywhere.
I am therefore very pleased to announce today a groundbreaking collaboration between the United Nations, MTV and Jay-Z to raise awareness about the world's water crisis.
All of us at the United Nations are excited about this initiative. Working with MTV and Jay-Z, we hope this campaign will motivate youth to take action both in their own lives, and in support of broad eco-friendly initiatives.
MTV's global reach and credibility can play an important role in educating and empowering its audience.
Jay-Z, through his enormous influence, will inspire young people everywhere to care, conserve, and join in the search for solutions to our water crisis.
Together, we may yet inspire a young viewer to take up President Kennedy's challenge, and claim both those Nobel Prizes.
[MTV President] Christina Norman, Jay-Z -- we're really proud to have them here as partners with the UN, to get this important issue launched and to energize young people to become engaged. I see so many young people here, and I am sure they did not only come for this event, and they are going to be very active in this water campaign.
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