Maude Barlow

Maude Barlow is a prominent Canadian author, speaker, and activist known for her work in advocating for water conservation, water rights, and the protection of public water resources. She has been a leading figure in the global movement against water privatization and for the recognition of water as a human right.

Barlow was born on May 24, 1947, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Over the years, she has been involved with numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and has held various leadership positions. One of her most notable roles has been as the National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, a non-profit organization that advocates for progressive policies on public health care, environmental protection, and economic justice.

In addition to her work with the Council of Canadians, Barlow has served on the boards of several international environmental organizations. She was also a founding member of the Blue Planet Project, which works internationally to secure the right to water. Barlow's activism has not only been limited to Canada; she has played a significant role on the global stage, particularly in advocating for the United Nations to recognize access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right. This effort was successful in 2010 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the human right to water and sanitation.

Barlow has authored or co-authored several books on water issues, including Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World's Water and Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water, which have been influential in raising awareness about the global water crisis and the dangers of water privatization.

Throughout her career, Barlow has received numerous awards and recognitions for her environmental and humanitarian work. These accolades reflect her significant contributions to the global movement for water justice and her ongoing efforts to protect water as a shared public resource.

Barlow's work emphasizes the importance of preserving water resources for future generations and advocates for sustainable water management practices that prioritize public access and ecological health over corporate profits. Her activism and writings continue to inspire a global audience to take action on water issues and to challenge the commodification of this essential natural resource.