Invitation (Virtual) for WWD2026: Water, Cybersecurity, and Gender Equality.
#WWD2026 Dedication theme: “Where water flows, equality grows” 
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. EST.

– This page is updated on March 21, 2026.

Link to REGISTER (Required):
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YS5iqla0TlGCqJRm5L9-_Q

The Light Millennium Global Proudly present the sixth annual World Water Day program
In support of the World Water Day; SDG-6 & Towards the 2026 UN Water Conference
#WorldWaterDay | #WWD2026 | #UNWater | #lightmillennium | #lmglobalorg

TENTATIVE PROGRAM:
• Welcoming Remarks: Ms. Bircan Ünver, Project Director & Moderator – LMGlobal.Org – www.lmglobal.org
• Keynote Speaker: Prof. Emre Tokgöz, State University of New York, Farmingdale campus, New York, U.S. (20 min. presentation)
• Youth Speaker: Mr. Joel Joseph, Senior Computer Security Technology student at Farmingdale State College (5 min. presentation)

• Interactive Session
• Closing Remarks
• Thank You Notes
• Closing

CONCEPT: Critical Cybersecurity Investment Needs in Water for Prosperity with Women Involvement

[LMGlobal.Org] Water management systems’ cybersecurity infrastructure development is a critical need of any country in today’s world to ensure cyber-safe digital infrastructure. In this talk, critical aspects of this need including the roles of humans, digital devices, design and development of water management systems, cybersecurity tools and software, and AI will be covered. The fundamental needs for establishing a cyber-threat resilient and sustainable water management system using cyber-systematic development will be covered. In alignment with the U.N Water Day and the need for driving changes in water as engineers, scientists, sanitation workers and community leaders (https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day), there is a need for women empowering the cybersecurity needs and concerns in the field of cybersecurity of water systems and securing critical water systems’ digital infrastructures. In association with the six themes of the 2026 UN Water Conference ( in the United Arab Emirates on 2-4 December 2026), while cybersecurity of water relates to all themes, Water for Prosperity and Water in Multilateral Processes themes are the most relevant ones in alignment with the presentation’s purpose.

Expected Outcomes: Today’s water management systems require

• a well-educated labor force that knows how to design and develop cyber systems’ security
  
• the development of cyber-threat safe systems that ensure a cyber-secure infrastructure
  
• continuous improvement for a cyber-threat resilient sustainable water management system
  
• What is the male-female ratio in cybersecurity related programs in your institution, and nation-wide?
   
• What sort of policies and legal mechanisms are required to create and sustain through Women’s Empowerment toward a Cyber-Resilient Water Governance on the global level?

The Two 2026 Water Conference related
Key Thematic Debates

• Water for Prosperity: Addresses the water-energy-food nexus, sustainable water management, wastewater, and efficiency.
  
• Water in Multilateral Processes: Aims to accelerate SDG 6 implementation within and beyond the UN system, strengthening synergies.
  

ABOUT Dr. Emre TOKGÖZ

Dr. TOKGÖZ completed two independent Ph.D. degrees (one in mathematics and another one in Industrial Engineering) received in the U.S. and four master’s degrees (one M.S. in mathematics, one M.A. in mathematics, one M.S. in computer science, and another M.S. in Engineering Management with Biomedical Engineering concentration). He has more than 15 years of professorship experience teaching and conducting research as a professor at School of Business, Mathematics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, and cybersecurity related programs. He is one of the two co-founders, co-owner, and Chief Technology Officer of Anubis Engines Corporate; a company that focuses on research and development of engine designs and development. His active research areas with peer-reviewed publications include Artificial Intelligence theory and practice, optimization, aerospace/engine design advancement and development, network security, cryptography, systems’ design and improvements, STEM education, biomedical engineering, supply chain, transportation, and systems’ design and improvement. He has six published books with Springer ©2026 WWW.LMGLOBAL.ORG | Email: INFO@Lightmillennium.org #EducationDay2026 | Booklet: Final-3 17 and one published book with CRC press along with more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He is currently a professor of Computer Security Department at State University of New York’s Farmingdale campus.

* * *

YOUTH SPEAKER:Joel JOSEPH
Abstract: The Weight of Water, The power of Dreams

Access to clean water and gender equality are more connected than many people realize. In many communities, women and girls walk miles every day just to collect water, and that responsibility affects their education, health, and future opportunities. This presentation begins with a real-life story to put a human perspective on these experiences, then explores how water insecurity continues to reinforce gender inequality. It also looks at how reliable water access can change life trajectories by helping girls stay in school, opening doors to leadership, and empowering women within their communities. By keeping women at the center of both the challenges and the solutions, the talk reflects the campaign message that where water flows, equality grows.

About Joel Joseph:

Joel Joseph is a senior Computer Security Technology student at Farmingdale State College, with a minor in Computer Networking. He is passionate about cybersecurity and is actively involved in academic research and leadership activities while completing his undergraduate studies.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joeljoseph

Background and Introduction: 6th Annual World Water Day Session (March 21, 2026)

Since 2021, The Light Millennium, Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization (LMGlobal.Org) has curated a prestigious annual series for World Water Day. This initiative was paved by Prof. Olcay Ünver (ASU; Former Vice-Chair, UN-Water), who continues to serve on our Advisory Board, providing a foundation of global water policy and high-level advocacy.

A primary milestone for the organization was its accreditation to the UN 2023 Water Conference. Under the leadership of the 2023 Side Event organizer and producer, LMGlobal.Org successfully executed Side Event #W175 and produced the “One-Minute Water Action Commitment” series. This project, featuring 36 individual and organizational commitments, remains a vital resource on Vimeo (#LightmillenniumTV) and served as the direct inspiration for the 2025 J.U.C. Media, Research, Innovation & Writing Awards, dedicated to the Water Action Decade (2018–2028).

For the 6th Annual Session in 2026, LMGlobal.Org seeks to expand this legacy by introducing a new technical and socio-technical dimension. This year’s virtual session, developed from a proposal by Prof. Emre Tokgöz, explores the critical nexus of Cybersecurity, Water, and Gender Equality.

The 2026 Perspective: A New Spectrum of Water Security

In an increasingly digitized global landscape, this session aims to bridge the gap between physical water infrastructure and digital resilience. The program will focus on:

• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Introducing a specialized lens on the digital vulnerabilities of water treatment and distribution systems.
• Gender Equality: Examining how disruptions in water security—whether physical or digital—disproportionately impact women and girls, and the necessity for inclusive leadership in technical solutions.
• Youth Engagement: Continuing the organization’s commitment to the next generation through the inclusion of youth perspectives on the front lines of water innovation.

By integrating these specialized fields, the 2026 session moves the conversation from general advocacy toward the specific, secure, and equitable governance required to meet the final goals of the Water Action Decade.

About The Light Millennium Global The Light Millennium, Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization | LMGlobal.Org

Founded in 2001 in New York, LMGlobal.Org is a non-religious, non-political, and independent secular NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications since 2005.
A Dedicated Organization in Water Advocacy: As an active advocate for the UN Water Action Decade (2018–2028), LMGlobal.Org has maintained to contributing towards the World Water Day (#SDG-6). Our mission is to amplify the Decade’s objectives by serving as a vital bridge between UN-led programs and our international networks, advocating for the urgent investment in both water security and gender equality as interdependent pillars of global stability.
As a formally accredited stakeholder to the 2023 UN Water Conference and committed organization to the Water Action Decade (2018–2028), LMGlobal.Org serves as a vital bridge between high-level UN policy, academia, and international civil society through its multi-media platforms.

Advancing Equitable & Secure Systems: LMGlobal.Org champions the principle that sustainable development rests on the interdependent pillars of Water Security, Gender Equality, and Digital Resilience. By advocating for integrated investment in gender-responsive policies and the protection of critical infrastructure, the organization works to ensure that women, youth, and academic researchers are empowered stakeholders in the technical and decision-making spheres of global governance.

Strategic Vision: Through its consistent annual programming and “Special Accreditation” for major UN milestones, LMGlobal.Org aims to mobilize a global partnerships toward the 2026 UN Water Conference. Our mission remains dedicated to highlighting cross-sectoral partnerships and multidisciplinary innovation as the essential drivers of a water-secure and equitable future.

References

2026: UN World Water Day – Dedication Theme:  https://www.unwater.org/news/%E2%80%98where-water-flows-equality-grows%E2%80%99-world-water-day-2026-campaign-launches
2026: UN Water Conference: https://www.unwater.org/news/2026-un-water-conference
2023: UN Water Conference – United Nations Report of the United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028.
https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/Final%20report%202023%20Water%20Conference%20%28as%20submitted%29_website.pdf 

World Water Day on LMGlobal.Org since 2021:

2025: #LightMillenniumTV: The 2025 J.U.C. Awards Ceremony | Dedicated to #WaterActionDecade https://vimeo.com/1072041223

2025: #JUCAwardsCeremony2025: The Youth’s Voices Can Shape A Future Where Clean Water Is Truly Accessible To All.
https://www.lmglobal.org/2025/03/26/jucawardsceremony2025-the-youths-voices-can-shape-a-future-where-clean-water-is-truly-accessible-to-all/

2025: Summary of the J.U.C. Awards 2025 Showcase: We’ve Made Creative Waves! https://www.lmglobal.org/2025/05/05/summary-of-the-j-u-c-awards-2025-showcase-weve-made-creative-waves/

2024: The Outcome of the 2024 World Water Day Intl. Panel on “The Future of Sustainability of Water, Agriculture & Food: WaterForPeace”https://www.lmglobal.org/2024/05/05/the-outcome-of-the-2024-world-water-day-intl-panel-on-the-future-of-sustainability-of-water-agriculture-food-waterforpeace/

2023: It’s time to report back on the LMGlobal.Org’s Water Action Commitment to the Water Action Decade

2023: LMGlobal.Org-Outcome: “Seven Core Water Action Ideas toward Water Awareness, Water Conscience, and Game Changers” Concept Successfully Delivered in NYC on March 21, 2023. https://www.lmglobal.org/2023/04/06/lmglobal-org-seven-core-water-action-ideas-toward-water-awareness-water-conscience-and-game-changers-concept-successfully-delivered-in-nyc-on-march-21-2023/

2023: LMGlobal.Org Outcome: “Seven Core Water Action Ideas Toward Water Aweness, Water Conscience, And Game Changers” Concept Successfully Delivered in NYC on March 21, 2023: https://www.lmglobal.org/2022/08/15/lightmillenniumtv-wwd2022-our-groundwater-how-can-we-work-together-to-manage-it-sustainably/

2023 (Video): #LightMillenniumTV: WHAT IS YOUR WATER ACTION COMMITMENT? Based on the #UN2023WaterConference / Side-Event #W175 | Part 1 and 2:
https://www.lmglobal.org/2023/09/28/lightmillenniumtv-what-is-your-water-action-commitment-based-on-the-un2023waterconference-side-event-w175-part-1-and-2/

#WWD2022 Water is Celebrated as the Source of Life https://www.lmglobal.org/2022/04/18/wwd2022-water-is-celebrated-as-the-source-of-life/

2021 (Video): WWD2021: Water, Sanitation, Covid-19, Values and the Future of Water
https://www.lightmillennium.org/un/2021/video/wwd2021-webinar-video-march-21.mp4
https://www.lmglobal.org/2021/03/20/live-streaming-wwd2021-water-sanitation-covid-19-values-and-the-future-of-water-on-sun-march-21-2021-at-100p-m-est/

#Water, #WWD2026, #WorldWaterDay, #CyberSecurity, #GenderEquality, #SDG5, #SDG6

©2026, The Light Millennium Global – www.lmglobal.org