A/RES/57/252 Recalling also its resolution 53/199 of 15 December 1998 on the proclamation of international years, Noting the efforts made in preparation for the Third World Water Forum and International Ministerial Conference, to be held in Japan in March 2003, and for the elaboration of the “World Water Development Report”, Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General, 7 1. Welcomes the activities undertaken by States, the Secretariat, and the organizations, programmes and funds of the United Nations system that are engaged in inter-agency work related to freshwater and by major groups in preparation for the observance of the International Year of Freshwater, and encourages them to continue their efforts; 2. Encourages all Member States, relevant international organizations and major groups to support activities related to the Year, inter alia, through voluntary contributions, and to link their relevant activities to the Year; 3. Encourages Member States, the United Nations system and major groups to take advantage of the Year to raise awareness of the essential importance of freshwater resources for satisfying basic human needs and for health and food production and the preservation of ecosystems, as well as for economic and social development in general, and to promote action at the local, national, regional and international levels, and calls for high priority to be given to the serious freshwater problems facing many regions, especially in the developing countries; 4. Encourages voluntary partnerships among Member States, international organizations and major groups to promote activities related to the Year; 5. Calls upon Member States that have not already done so to create national committees or designate focal points in their respective countries to facilitate and promote activities related to the Year at the local and national levels; 6. Requests the Secretary-General to promote closer coordination to elaborate and support proposals and undertake activities related to the Year; 7. Also requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its fifty-ninth session a report on the implementation of the present resolution. 78th plenary meeting 20 December 2002 _______________ 7 2 A/57/132.