NEW YORK, USA, 17 November 2006 – Nearly 2 million children die each year due to unsafe water and inadequate sanitation. Last night at the United Nations, American rap star Jay-Z premiered his new video diary, ‘Water For Life’, which captures his journey into areas affected by the ongoing global water crisis.
In a partnership with MTV and the UN, Jay-Z toured several developing countries, meeting with young people who do not have access to safe water. He travelled with some of these children along the same roads they take every day to fetch water for their families and schools.
“It is unbelievable that someone so young could be doing that every single day,” he said.
UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman spoke at the premiere, emphasizing the need for action on this issue: “By increasing access to clean water and proper sanitation, we will not only save young lives, we will also be improving the quality of these lives – giving children a chance to fulfil their potential,” said Ms. Veneman.
Jay-Z presents ‘Water for Life’ – a video call to action on the global water crisis