Article by Teresa Teo Guttensohn Photographs contributed by Cuifen Pui, Intan Krishanty, Merey Tan, and Teresa Teo Guttensohn
What is UN World Water Day?
World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of fresh water. WWD celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. The theme for WWD 2026 is Water and Gender.
Left photo: Volunteers Rominia Leonard, Merey Tan, Intan Krishnanty, Cuifen Pui, and Teresa Teo Guttensohn on the traditional ferry ride to Pulau Ubin
Where water flows, equality grows
On World Water Day 2026, let’s explore the critical relationship between water, women, and gender equality.
Water services must withstand climate change and meet everyone’s needs. We need a transformative, rights-based approach to solving the water crisis, where women’s voices, leadership and agency are fully recognized. https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day
Women volunteers from Cicada Tree Eco-Place Explore Scenic Water Bodies at Pulau Ubin!Chek Jawa Wetlands: A unique mix of natural ecosystems such as sandy beaches, rocky shores, seagrass lagoons, and mangrove forests.Quarry Lakes: Scenic habitats for biodiversity at Pekan, Kekek, Ketam, Balai, Petai, and Ubin Quarries. Featuring Pulau Ubin’s resident, Mr Heng with the volunteersMangroves and Tidal Rivers: The island is crisscrossed with waterways, notably Sungei Besar and Sungei Jelutong, which are surrounded by mangroves.Beaches: Pockets of beaches dot the coast of beautiful Pulau Ubin.Nature in every detail, from flora to fauna, Pulau Ubin’s ecosystems thrive where water flows. Can you spot and name them?A tranquil water landscape at Pulau Ubin, part of the Ubin Living Lab, where natural ecosystems and conservation efforts come together
Find out more about Singapore World Water Day by PUB and take the pledge here.
