United Nations Radio

Water and sanitation issues are critical to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Children carrying water

That's what the top UN official for economic and social affairs told Monday's opening of the 5th World Water Forum taking place in Istanbul, Turkey.

Under-Secretary-General Sha Zukang says access to clean water and sanitation is essential for productive lives and livelihoods, for our health and for food security.

He warns that the world is lagging behind in reaching its MDG target to reduce by half the proportion of the population without access to basic sanitation services.

And he adds that at current rates, the world will miss this target by 500 million people.

"The forum's theme- "Bridging Divides for Water" strikes the right chord. The world must overcome its divisions on water. Only by acting urgently and decisively together can we ensure that the billions of people who desperately need clean water and adequate sanitation will be able to live health and dignified lives."

Under-Secretary-General Sha says although the target for drinking water may be achieved globally, current trends suggest sub-Saharan Africa will not meet it until 2035.

Donn Bobb, Unied Nations Radio.

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