The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) will hold a commemoration ceremony for World Water Day 2024 at the Daejeon Convention Center (located in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon) on the afternoon of March 22.

In December 1992, the United Nations designated March 22 as ‘World Water Day’ to raise awareness of the importance of water and to encourage international cooperation in addressing water issues. Since 1995, South Korea has been holding government-led commemorative ceremonies to reflect on the various values of water and to participate in the efforts of the international community.

This year’s theme for ‘World Water Day’ in South Korea is “Enjoying Clean and Safe Water Together.” It embodies the meaning of utilizing clean and safe water together through collective actions and sustainable water management. This theme expands upon the concept of coexistence and cooperation, as outlined by the United Nations’ theme for World Water Day this year, “Leveraging Water for Peace.”

During the commemoration ceremony on this day, the government will confer commendations to individuals who have contributed to the field of water management. A total of 15 awards will be presented, including the Medal of Honor (1), Medal of Service (1), Presidential Commendations (5), and Prime Minister’s Commendations (8). Professor Gong Dong-su from Kyonggi University has been selected for the Order of Service Merit (Red Stripes) and Professor Yoon Seong-taek from Korea University has been selected for the Medals of Honour (service).

On this day, a seminar linked to the ‘World Water Day’ event will be held on the 2nd floor of the Daejeon Convention Center. The seminar is organized by the Ministry and the Korea Federation of Water Science and Engineering Societies. 

At this gathering, government officials, academics, and water management experts will discuss various topics including the transition of water management policy paradigms, focusing on strengthening the national role in river management and enhancing flood management (such as AI-based flood forecasting). They will also discuss ways to enhance the value of sustainable water management.

Furthermore, in commemoration of ‘World Water Day,’ the largest water industry exhibition in Korea, ‘WATER KOREA,’ with participation from over 160 domestic and overseas water-related companies, will be held from March 20 to 22 at the 2nd Exhibition Hall of the Daejeon Convention Center.

Following the commemoration ceremony of ‘World Water Day,’ Minister Han Wha-jin plans to visit the exhibition hall of WATER KOREA to explore the present and future of the water industry, including water industry equipment and remote control systems utilizing information and communication technology.

To raise public awareness about ‘World Water Day’ and the value of water, the Ministry is conducting various promotional activities, including participatory events. Starting from March 14, the Ministry released a pre-promotional video through its official YouTube channel, delivering a commemorative message for ‘World Water Day’ using sign language. 

Furthermore, the Ministry has published card news introducing World Water Day on its official website (me.go.kr) and is conducting a quiz event related to the commemorative day on the Ministry’s social media pages.

Minister Han Wha-jin stated, “Even in the era of climate crisis, we will do our best in water management to ensure that everyone can enjoy clean water safely.” She emphasized, “We will actively support the growth of the water industry by continuously creating and spreading new values of water such as hydrothermal energy.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com