Young people are key actors in shaping the future of the water sector. Through initiatives such as Youth 2030 and the UNESCO Youth Strategy, UNESCO has placed youth engagement at the centre of its work. Within UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), young people have played an increasingly important role, including through the development of the Water youth strategy during the first UNESCO water youth dialogue and the recent approval of the Youth4Water flagship initiative at the 27th session of the IHP Council.Â
These developments reflect growing recognition of the contributions of young people to water sciences, policy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. However, further evidence is needed to better understand their experiences, opportunities, and challenges across the sector.Â
To address this gap, UNESCO is launching the first global baseline study on meaningful youth engagement in the water sector.
Make your voice count: Participate to global survey
UNESCO is calling on young people aged 18–35 engaged in the water sector to share their experiences by taking part in a global survey by 31 August 2026.
Responses will inform the findings of the report and contribute to a stronger evidence base for youth engagement in water.Â
The survey will gather quantitative data on the opportunities, successes and challenges experienced by young people in the water sector, including access to education, career pathways, participation in decision-making processes and the impact of youth-led initiatives and projects.Â
The findings will support UNESCO and its partners to:Â
- Develop the first global open dataset on youth engagement in the water sector;Â
- Formulate evidence-based policy recommendations;Â
- Strengthen youth engagement in water through data-driven action and advocacy.Â
The report is expected to be launched at the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December 2026.Â
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-invites-youth-participate-global-survey-water?hub=701
