Water is Life: Reflecting on the hidden challenges of access

Water is Life: Reflecting on the hidden challenges of access

Published August 08, 2025

On the occasion of World Food Day, Professor Alexiei Dingli delivered a heartfelt message that invited reflection on the often-unseen challenges of water accessibility, both locally and globally. 

In a thought-provoking speech, Prof. Dingli explored how water, a necessity of life, is not always within easy reach for everyone, even in modern societies.

While many enjoy the convenience of turning on a tap without a second thought, others face quiet, daily struggles to access clean water for drinking and basic hygiene. Speaking from experiences observed at the Soup Kitchen OFM in Valletta, Prof. Dingli shared how individuals in vulnerable circumstances often resort to scavenging for plastic containers in order to collect water, a small but meaningful example of how water scarcity can touch lives, even in developed countries.

More than just about hydration, Prof. Dingli’s message emphasised how a lack of access to water also affects one’s dignity, mental well-being, and ability to maintain social inclusion. Challenges such as these, though affecting a minority, remind us of our shared human responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind.

In 2010, the United Nations formally recognised access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right. Yet, as Prof. Dingli noted, the realisation of this right requires not only policy but empathy, awareness, and sustained effort from all sectors of society.

Quoting the Holy Father’s call to move from a “culture of indifference” to a “culture of providence,” Prof. Dingli encouraged governments, businesses, and communities to work together to build a more inclusive and sustainable future — one where water is not just available, but accessible to all.

This message aligns with this year’s World Food Day theme: “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.” It also connects with wider conversations about social justice, public services, and the role of good governance in addressing emerging challenges.

Prof. Dingli will be one of the speakers at the upcoming International Ombudsman Conference hosted by the Office of the Ombudsman on 15–16 October 2025. Held under the theme “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman.”

A Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Malta since 2019, Prof. Dingli will participate in the panel discussion “Embracing Technological Innovation: The Ombudsman’s role in the age of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.”