One of the most energising aspects of being President of IWA is engaging with our Young Water Professionals (YWPs) – IWA members under 35 years old. The sheer enthusiasm, innovation and drive they bring to the Association is not only inspiring, but also fundamental to IWA and our society’s future.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a surge of young professionals eager to shape the future of water. The YWP Steering Committee, elected by the IWA YWP Community every two years, has been part of our decision-making structure since the 2000s. IWA now has more than 50 active YWP Country Chapters worldwide – from China to South Africa, Brazil to the UK, and, recently, new chapters in Ireland, Mali and Burkina Faso. Each chapter is driven by IWA YWP members who are determined to influence water governance, management, innovation and sustainability – locally and internationally.
It’s hard not to be inspired by the level of commitment our YWPs demonstrate. Whether organising national conferences, hosting technical workshops, participating in global dialogues or designing community-led initiatives, these young leaders are redefining what it means to be a water professional today.
In June, I had the pleasure of hearing about the 3rd IWA YWP Canada Conference, which brought together more than 200 participants, including professionals, academics and students. It featured panels, technical sessions and a global hackathon, where five international teams presented innovative solutions to water challenges in their home countries. This type of collaboration and innovation is exactly what our sector needs and is something IWA’s YWPs are uniquely equipped to deliver.
Take, for example, the Iberoamerican IWA YWP Chapters. This growing coalition of Spanish-speaking YWP chapters emerged from a simple, yet persistent, challenge: the lack of technical content available in their native language. Their solution? A dynamic series of Spanish-language webinars, co-organised across countries, bridging linguistic and geographic divides to deliver relevant and inclusive knowledge to their peers. When empowered, YWPs don’t just participate – they lead, create and solve.
Alongside our growing chapter network, IWA has launched flagship programmes to nurture young leadership in the sector. The IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship supports exceptional young professionals working on water and sanitation, amplifying youth voices in global policy dialogues. Meanwhile, the IWA LeaP leadership programme for YWPs brings together early-career professionals from across the world for a year-long journey focused on leadership development, strategic thinking and personal growth. Both programmes are part of IWA’s commitment to equip young leaders with the tools and platforms to influence global water governance.
Looking ahead, I am especially excited about the Emerging Water Leaders Forum at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition in Bangkok, in December – an initiative that will bring together young professionals from across the globe to engage in a powerful learning and networking experience. The Forum is an event led by YWPs for YWPs. Meanwhile, planning is well under way for the 2026 IWA European YWP Conference in Milan, Italy, where we anticipate another milestone gathering for our YWP community.
IWA believes that the YWP Community is a strategic asset, integral to our Association’s Strategic and Operational Plans. We cannot talk about the future of water without the voices, ideas and leadership of young professionals at the table.
As President, I am committed to ensuring that YWPs remain front and centre in our journey. That means not only recognising their contributions, but also actively creating the platforms, opportunities and support systems they need to thrive. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
To our YWPs – thank you. Your work reminds us that the future of water is not something distant. It’s already here – and it’s in good hands.
Hamanth Kasan, President, IWA
