15:00, 24 March 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
On World Water Day, there is often a wave of well-meaning statements about the value of water. This year, however, a renewed partnership between GARDENA and UNICEF offers something more concrete. It is a reminder that progress, while fragile, is possible when long-term commitment meets practical action.
Their collaboration, first launched in 2018, has already helped deliver water, sanitation and hygiene services to around 330,000 children and families. Now extended under the banner “Growing Futures, one drop at a time”, the initiative aims to reach a further 355,000 people by the end of 2026.
In a world where 2.1 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, that may seem like a modest dent. Yet it is precisely this kind of steady, targeted effort that shifts the dial.
Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, Global Director, Water and Sanitation Practice, UNICEF says:“The world is in a water crisis, and children shoulder the greatest burden of its impact. At UNICEF, we believe that every child deserves a fair chance to not only survive but to grow and thrive – and safe drinking water is so very critical for their health, nutrition, education, and development.
“Providing access to safe water, sanitation facilities and hygiene is a shared societal responsibility, we all need to contribute together, and we deeply value the support of GARDENA, whose long-term commitment helps create lasting impact for children where the need is greatest.”
What sets this partnership apart is its emphasis on flexibility. Rather than limiting funds to narrow projects, GARDENA enables UNICEF to direct resources where they are needed most. That might mean repairing water systems, expanding sanitation facilities or supporting hygiene education. It is a pragmatic approach that reflects a simple truth. Water crises are rarely one-dimensional, and neither are their solutions.
Conversations about global water scarcity are no longer confined to distant regions. Climate change is bringing water insecurity closer to home, even in countries that once took reliable supply for granted. By linking global challenges with everyday habits such as how we water gardens or manage household use, the campaign encourages people to see water as a shared and finite resource.
This matters because infrastructure alone cannot solve the crisis. Behaviour plays a role too. Small actions, taken collectively, can have real impact. It is an argument that risks sounding familiar, yet gains weight when paired with on-the-ground investment that is already improving lives.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
WaterAid. This global charity works to improve access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene in some of the world’s poorest communities, partnering with local organisations and governments to deliver sustainable, long-term solutions. Learn more here.
charity: water. Founded to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries, this organisation funds community-led water projects and uses innovative technology to ensure transparency and lasting impact. Discover their work here.
The Water Project. This charity focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, supporting reliable water access through well construction, rainwater harvesting and sanitation training to help communities build healthier, more resilient futures. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Clean Water and Sanitation.
Photo credits: UNICEF
