On World Water Day, we had the opportunity to speak with Zeynep Aker, the founder of SuCo, about the significance of this day and what we can do to address water-related challenges.

Can you tell us about the origins of World Water Day?

As we all know, 75% of the Earth is covered by water. However, 97% of that is saltwater, and 2% is trapped in glaciers. When we factor in global warming and desertification, access to clean water becomes increasingly difficult. That’s why March 22nd, World Water Day, was established to raise awareness of this critical issue.

World Water Day was first declared at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Since then, it has been observed annually with different themes, aiming to draw attention to the growing problem of access to clean water and foster awareness about the need to protect water resources. Additionally, every three years, the World Water Council convenes to discuss the escalating water crisis.

What is this year’s World Water Day theme?

Last year’s theme was “Nature for Water.” This year’s theme, “Leaving No One Behind,” deeply resonates with us at SuCo. The theme focuses on the fact that access to clean water is not a privilege but a basic human right—a right that many still cannot enjoy. While this issue may not seem urgent in countries like ours, where water is easily accessible, marginalized groups face the greatest challenges. Women, children, refugees, people with disabilities, and others often struggle to access clean water due to systemic discrimination and social barriers. This year’s theme underscores how many people we unintentionally leave behind.

How can we raise awareness and take action on an individual level?

Awareness starts with education and being open to learning. Many of us take water for granted, assuming it will always flow from our taps. Yet, when the water supply is interrupted, we panic, showing how much we depend on it. Supporting NGOs that work on clean water access is an excellent first step. Beyond that, small changes in daily habits can make a difference—avoiding water waste, running dishwashers and washing machines only when full, steering clear of water-intensive industries like fast fashion and fast food, reusing water (e.g., watering plants with cooled vegetable water), and eliminating single-use products from our lives.

What role does SuCo play in raising awareness in Turkey?

On our #SuCoBlog and social media channels, we prioritize sharing content about clean water access, water consumption, and sustainability. We recommend documentaries, TED Talks, and educational materials to raise awareness. Since SuCo’s founding in 2016, one of our team’s greatest dreams has been to fund a water well in Africa. This year’s World Water Day theme resonates with us deeply because we firmly believe that access to clean water is a fundamental right and freedom. This belief has been the driving force behind our initiative.

Through the Aquatic SuCo collection, we’ve partnered with Sezi Kalkavan and Idea Universal’s Smart Village Project. In June, we plan to open a well in Zanzibar, Tanzania, providing clean water to 10–12 households. This project represents our commitment to making a tangible difference in ensuring access to clean water for everyone.