The UNESCO Water Resilience Challenge 2024 has evolved significantly since its inception, guided by the principle that water is not just a resource but a lifeline for many communities in the world. Aligned with the same principle, the 10th World Water Forum stood with a message of water as a “shared prosperity,” which emphasized the contributions of the forefront of sustainable water management that includes the future generation.
At the heart of the forum, the three winning teams, comprising 11 youths from Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, showcased their ideas and solutions to a wide audience of water professionals, delegates, and diplomats from around the world. These young water leaders created a profound impact with their community-focused achievements and potential solutions. Their presence and input stood as a powerful endorsement of youth engagement, collaborative spirit, and the strength found in interdisciplinary cooperation.
The teams’ diligent efforts and steadfast commitment to bringing their projects to fruition earned them the prestigious opportunity to engage with leading authorities at the World Water Forum. This included interactions with esteemed figures such as the Indonesian Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Pak Basuki Hadimuljono, and the President of the World Water Council, Loïc Fauchon.
The event facilitated a unique convergence, enabling the three teams to forge not only professional connections but also enduring friendships. It provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the water sector, allowing them to network with a diverse array of organizations and peers from across the globe. This rare opportunity has proven to be an invaluable experience, significantly enriching their professional and personal journeys.
Having attended their first international conference, each team is charting a path to bring their visions to life. One of the winning teams, Tim Banyu, found themselves inspired by the forum and the connections made and is committed to the sustainability and widespread application of their project. They seek to forge partnerships with global organizations and secure patents as they broaden their regional footprint. These emergent water leaders, enriched by their newfound perspectives, recognize the need to deepen their expertise. They cherish the friendships formed with fellow winners as well as their mentors who inspired them to keep growing and offer motivation to future UWRC participants:
Be brave, and don’t be driven by your solutions. Even though everything can seem so technical and frightening outside of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to stand out and be different.
Aiko Sarasvaty Prabowo
These experiences will undoubtedly be etched in their memories, serving not only as a personal milestone but also as a benchmark for youth engagement in the water sector. Their active participation sets a precedent, highlighting the essential role of young professionals in shaping the future of water sustainability.
