Thousands of hummingbirds land at United Nations HQ

Around 8,000 hummingbirds landed in New York during the UN 2023 Water Conference at UN Headquarters. These colourful, origami creations were made by children all around the world as part of the ‘Be the change’ campaign for World Water Day 2023.

Each hummingbird, made by a schoolchild from folded paper, contained a written promise to take a simple water action to help solve the water crisis - for example, turning off the tap when brushing their teeth, reusing rainwater, buying less water-intensive foods and products, or taking shorter showers.

The ‘Be the change’ campaign will run for the rest of 2023. The hummingbird embodies the idea that no matter how small, the actions we take help solve the water crisis we face. 

If you or your school or organization have not yet got involved, please join in and be the change you want to see in the world. Choose from a list of 10 simple actions or propose your own. Everyone has a part to play. You can be a hummingbird, too!