Water for all, a collective commitment in the face of the water crisis
Leaders from the private, academic, and public sectors are reinforcing their commitment with concrete actions to ensure water sustainability.
Guatemala, March 18, 2025. Within the framework of the Commemoration of World Water Day, leaders and experts from the public, private and academic sectors met at the meeting “Water for all, all for water: the resource you cannot ignore” , with the objective of promoting a collective commitment that guarantees access, quality and conservation of this vital resource for human existence, economic development and environmental sustainability.
This initiative, led by Water For People, the Association of Companies for Integrated Water Management (GREMIA), the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce (CCG) and the Foundation for Water Conservation of the Metropolitan Region (FUNCAGUA), seeks to promote collaboration among different actors to face the water challenges that affect the country.
“Water is a crucial factor in our capacity for growth as a country. The return on investment in conserving this resource is evident in terms of health, the economy, and development. Planning a country for the long term without considering access to water, both for the general population and for industry, is undoubtedly unsustainable,” stated Eduardo Rodas, president of GREMIA.
According to studies from the 2018 Population and Housing Census, nearly 2 million Guatemalans have access to piped water, while more than 6 million lack access to safe drinking water. Approximately 45% of the rural population lacks adequate basic sanitation. Globally, 1 in 3 schools lacks adequate water and sanitation services (UNICEF, 2019), and in Guatemala, nearly 10% of deaths in children under 5 are attributed to diarrheal diseases (PAHO).
A right for all
During the event, key issues for understanding and addressing the water crisis were discussed. The speakers engaged in dialogue and reflected on strategies to improve the availability, conservation, awareness, responsibility, and quality of this resource.
Among the keynote lectures were: “Water as an engine of economic growth and competitiveness”; “Business strategies for efficient water management”; “Innovation and technology: the future of responsible water use and its economic value”; “Ecosystem conservation as a strategy for water production”; “Identification of potential recharge heights through the use of isotopes in the Metropolitan Region of Guatemala”; and a panel of experts on “Public policies and strategic alliances for water”.
“Water is fundamental to life, nature, and the economy; it is an essential part of everything we do as people. Therefore, it is necessary that we value and care for it. But, above all, we must work together for its sustainable use and management,” said Mauricio Cabarrús, president of the FUNCAGUA Board of Directors.
In addition, innovative tactics combining efficiency and equity were presented, highlighting the importance of optimizing water consumption, conserving aquifers and ecosystems, and territorial planning to strengthen water resilience in the face of population growth and the effects of climate change.
“The lack of safe water affects the nutrition and well-being of thousands of families. Without adequate water and sanitation, efforts in health, education, and economic development are insufficient. Guatemala needs political will, an investment of at least $1.5 billion, and a General Water Law that guarantees equitable access, as well as the modernization of supply systems and effective and coordinated governance,” said Mario Velásquez, country director at Water For People and president of RASGUA.
At the end, the urgent call was reiterated to the entire population to join initiatives that seek to mitigate the water crisis, promoting responsible practices in the daily use of this resource and actively participating in community projects.
About Water For People
Water For People is an international nonprofit organization headquartered in Denver, Colorado. We have been working in Guatemala since 1997. Our goal is to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene services to everyone and ensure that these solutions last forever. We work in communities until every family, health center, and public school has high levels of safe and reliable water and sanitation service. We have a realistic plan to achieve permanent change in Guatemala, which involves working with communities, training local workers, and building systems.
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