Youth are becoming an increasingly vocal group within the water sector. Alex Whitebrook, WYPW’s board member for Oceania has represented youth at several events and meetings this year. As 2018 soon draws to a close, here are some key takeaways from his involvement at events in Egypt and Stockholm.
Water is a catalyst for cooperation
In October 2018, the WYPW partnered with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to promote cooperative transboundary water management related to the ‘Blue Peace’ movement. A detailed presentation was given on the history and purpose of the movement as a catalyst for discussions around cooperation on water issues. The Regional Water Advisor for the SDC, Mufleh El-Alaween, highlighted the agenda of the Blue Peace movement and how water can provide a gateway to peace.
This message came as part of a workshop at the World Youth Forum in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Entitled “Day Zero: Water Security in the Wake of Climate Change”, the full day workshop encouraged participants to directly confront the global water crisis and develop cooperative solutions. MrEl-Alaween highlighted that global policy measures may help reverse tensions on water issues and foster socio-economic development.
“While water and water scarcity are often seen as sources of potential conflict in the middle east, policy measures can be taken that could turn tension around water into opportunity for socio-economic development, it is the idea of blue peace.”
Mufleh El-Alaween
Regional Water Advisor
SDC
Water issues go beyond age and country
Events such as the World Youth Forum allow the WYPW to lead insightful discussions on the way in which all water-related issues affect youth. As the President of the WYPW, Lindsey Aldaco-Manner highlighted the critical nature of youth’s relationship with water issues, accounting for 40% of the world’s population. Creating opportunities for vibrant discussion on water issues is important in order to raise awareness and capacity among young people.
“40% of the world’s population are youth, so water scarcity will affect the young generation directly in the near future”
Lindsey Aldaco-Manner President
WYPW
Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources, Mohamed Abdel Aty, also participated in the WYPW’s workshop. He highlighted the importance of water issues across borders. The Minister held a dialogue between himself and a random selection of audience members from different regions and countries. In doing so, the Minister aided WYPW to emphasise the importance of international dialogue.
“Countries facing water scarcity should share their experiences & solutions to water issues.”
Mohamed Abdel Aty
Minister of Water Resources Egypt
Youth are leading the way
At a higher level, WYPW also serves as a partner to more ‘senior’ organisations within the water sector. Members of the WYPW regularly sit on the Steering Committee of the Global Water Partnership (GWP). This opportunity allows WYPW to guide the global discussion on water issues with the interests and concerns of youth in mind. The most recent meeting occurred in early December 2018 and involved an in-depth discussion on the strategy of the GWP in the coming years. It was decided during the meeting that a greater effort needed to be given to improving communication between all stakeholders for combined action. Including youth organisations such as WYPW will be key.
