Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the theme of World Water Day 2006 'water and culture'?

The theme 'Water and Culture' of WWD 2006 draws attention to the fact that there are as many ways of viewing, using, and celebrating water as there are cultural traditions across the world. Sacred, water is at the heart of many religions and is used in different rites and ceremonies. Fascinating and ephemeral, water has been represented in art for centuries - in music, painting, writing, cinema - and it is an essential factor in many scientific endeavours as well. Each region of the world has a different way of holding water sacred, but each recognizes its value, and its central place in human lives. Cultural traditions, indigenous practices, and societal values determine how people perceive and manage water in the world's different regions.

Do I need to register to participate in WWD 2006?

World Water Day is an opportunity for everyone to get involved, and you're only limited by your imagination: you don't have to be a part of an organization to be a part of the Day, but in order for your event or celebration to have the maximum impact, it's a good idea to let the World Water Day Secretariat know what you're planning, as well as your national focal point! You can directly post your event on our website or contact the Secretariat by regular mail at

UNESCO
World Water Day 2006
Division of Water Sciences
1 rue Miollis
75732 Paris CEDEX 15
France

I'm planning an event. How do I put it on the WWD 2006 website?

It's easy! All you have to do is fill out the form on our website with the relevant information.

How can I get involved in WWD 2006?

There are hundreds of ways to get involved! Start by looking through the different pages in this website for ideas, especially the section on How to get involved. Because this year's World Water Day is focused on water and culture, your activity or event might want to explore the idea that water and culture are both essential facets of human existence. Some ideas of how to get involved include organizing a newsletter, a discussion panel, play, art exhibit, or debate on the different ways that water is valued around the world. You can also get involved by contributing to this website and sending us your ideas, educational materials, events, ways to get involved, poems, pictures and any other material you would like to share with the rest of the world. Send us an email at wwd2006@unesco.org.

Is there a logo for WWD 2006?

There is no official logo for the Day, and we would ask that you please refrain from using UNESCO's logo. Instead, we invite you to use the image of the WWD 2006 poster to promote the Day - soon available on this website for download.

Where can I find brochures, posters and other similar documentation on WWD 2006? Do you have posters, educational material or other types of public awareness material?

All the materials we have are available on our website, which we will be adding to little by little. You can help enrich our website by sending us your documentation - we welcome any contributions, from posters to educational kits. Send them to us at wwd2006@unesco.org. Visit the website regularly so you don't miss any of the material we'll be adding. Also don't forget to contact your national focal point as they might also have materials that you can use - or contribute to.

What are the themes of the WWD 2006?

Any and every theme that is related to water and culture is important; both water and culture encompass so many different aspects of life, so there are more than enough themes to explore! However, we have tried to identify some of the themes that seemed particularly important to water and culture, so you can start your research there. Access the themes from the left-hand column of our website (soon available). And if you have anything to add, please let us know at wwd2006@unesco.org.

Can you provide financial assistance for my project? Where can I find funding for my projects and activities?

Unfortunately, UNESCO cannot offer financial assistance for the organization of your project or event. We encourage you to contact your national focal point, however, as they may be able to offer you assistance or give you some ideas of who to approach for help. We also encourage you to contact organizations in your country for help. And sometimes, the most useful contributions are not financial: material, human resources, physical space can all be of use.

How do I find out what is happening in my country?

Contact your national focal point for more information about what's going on in your country. You can also check our events calendar, which will be online shortly and which will include all events information that we have available. If you would like to add your event to the calendar, please fill out the form on our website - and don't forget to let your national focal point know, too!

Is there an official message for WWD 2006?

Key messages, particularly from the UN Secretary-General and from the Director-General of UNESCO, are currently being prepared and will be put online as soon as finalized. Check our website regularly for more information.