WORLD WATER WEEK

Currently, 1 in 4 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water. The lack of proper sanitation and water resources can have severe impacts on children, affecting their health, education, safety and wellbeing.

As a clean water charity, World Vision supports this important week which raises awareness of the importance of water and water-related solutions. Learn more about how we're helping children access water and how you can get involved.

When is World Water Week?

World Water Week will take place on 23-27 August 2026.

World Water Week is held on the last week of August every year, sometimes also covering early September.

What is World Water Week?

World Water Week is an annual conference that’s leading conversations on global water issues.

Held every year since 1991, World Water Week brings together decision-makers, leaders, researchers and organisations from around the globe and from a range of backgrounds to tackle water-related challenges.

The week is organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and is held in the Swedish capital, Stockholm. The event is recognised at the leading conference on transforming global water challenges, inspiring conversations and advancing knowledge.

The purpose of World Water Week

From tackling the effects of climate change to ending hunger, the sessions at World Water Week aim to raise awareness about the importance of water and also provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions where great minds work together. The conference takes place both in Stockholm and online, and thousands of representatives from hundreds of countries attend to collaboratively explore how water can help address the world’s most significant challenges.

What is this year’s World Water Week theme?

In 2026, the theme for World Water Week is Water for People and Progress.

The 2026 water conference will discuss progress on water for people in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and look ahead to the successors to the SDGs. It's a meeting place for people to explore the latest scientific knowledge and introduce innovation and incentives to steer the global trajectory to a more sustainable and collaborative future.

How World Vision is helping

For 75 years, we have been working with communities to ensure better access to water and sanitation. From providing hygiene kits to installing boreholes and handpumps, we’re helping children access safe water near their homes.

In 2024, World Vision helped three million people gain access to clean water.

Children like Merci, 13

Merci’s life dramatically changed when water became available close to her home. In the past, Merci, 12, faced a dangerous journey to their closest water source 90 minutes away. Thanks to World Vision supporters, clean water is only a couple of minutes away from her family’s home.

Now, they’re celebrating a million people who have gained access to clean water where World Vision works in Rwanda.

Help bring clean water to more children

By becoming a child sponsor, you can help bring clean, safe water to more children and their communities.

Your support makes long‑lasting solutions possible - like building local water systems, protecting wells and teaching families simple hygiene habits that keep children healthy.

With water close to home, children no longer have to spend hours walking each day just to collect it. Instead, they can learn, play and enjoy being kids. Through your sponsorship, you help give families the stability they need to build a healthier, brighter future.