World Water Day is celebrated throughout the world by hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals. In 2011, UN-Water with the assistance of the World Bank’s, Global Development Learning Network (GDLN), a partnership of over 120 recognized global institutions (Affiliates) in over 80 countries, that collaborates in customized learning solutions for individuals and organizations working in development, will make World Water Day truly a global event.

During World Water Day 2011, the GDLN network will connect throughout the day participants from other countries in "real-time", to the debates and dialogues taking place at the Cape Town International Conference Center (CTICC). The morning session of 22nd March, will connect Fiji, Bangkok and Manila to the debate at the main auditorium. Around noon, Zaragoza and Amsterdam will be linked and in the afternoon Washington and Rio will join the World Water Day celebrations in Cape Town.

A typical GDLN session during World Water Day 2011 will focus on the challenges and opportunities of water and urbanization. Participants are water experts, professionals and suppliers from around the world, working in government, non-governmental organizations, and the media. These participants will contribute with suggestions and recommendations to conclude the debate on World Water Day.